What defines the Zelda experience?

[Helios]

Khuutra said:

c0rd said:

I don't remember that Grandma moment in Wind Waker at all, but I'm sure I must've visited home some time. Weird.

If it's one thing you never mentioned that will stick with me, it's getting Biggoron's sword. I don't know how loved that thing is outside of the circle of people I know, but for us it was the most badass thing ever. Unfortunately, it means disappointment for every future game that doesn't offer some sort of massive, two-hand sword.

Here's to hoping there's one in Skyward Sword, lol

Last time we played through together, my wife got to the Grandma part and cried her eyes out. Partially because her father has problems with depression, and partially because Link's grandma looks just like her grandma.

And man, if I described every awesome thing in Zelda I'd be here a lo longer than discussion probably warrants.

The Biggoron sword was bitching, though. As I remember, it could kill Twinrova or Bongo-Bongo in like three freaking hits, if the first two were jump attacks. It was just absurd. I still liked the Master Sword btter because I liked the image of holding a sword in one hand and your shield in the other, but the Biggoron sword was what you pulled out when something absolutely had to die.

Ah, the Biggoron Sword. I did love that thing, and the sidequest to get it.

But thing that hit me about the use of that sword is one of its uses; the completion of the story of the Skull Kid.

Skull Kids are childlike spirits of the forest - the remains of lost children - that befriend Link after he shows his affinity to Saria. As a child, Link can play with these characters and, at one point, he can give one Skull Kid a Skull Mask. This is remarkable because whereas  masks usually grant a character a new identity or role, the Skull Kid earns a "face", or his one "true" identity - the one thing acknowledging of the fact that he was once a living individual.

A sad and thoughtful tale in and of itself, the Biggoron Sword ties into this because with it, the player can commit a gruesome act not otherwise possible; he can destroy the Skull Kid.

 What does it say about Link, and the player, that he is fully capable of killing not just an innocent forest spirit, but a being he once called "friend"?

Truly one of the most striking tales of the series, and it's only an optional course of events brought to light by the completion of several side quest and acquisition of the most powerful weapon in the game.