The recent teaser for the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake on Switch 2 left many of us with questions. Whose voice is that in the trailer? Why does the Deku Tree look so much like Ian McKellen? But the most pressing issue remains: Why is Link still sleeping in a leather chestplate?
It’s been 40 years since we first met the Hero of Hyrule, and we’ve seen him asleep a lot. Yet, in all that time, the lad hasn't managed to get a decent set of pyjamas. It is a recurring theme that has kept us up wondering if Link has ever actually experienced the comfort of silk or brushed cotton.
A History of Uncomfortable Naps
Looking back through the series, the trend of sleeping in full gear is consistent. Take A Link to the Past, which features the iconic “Help me... Please help me...” opening. When Link wakes up, he jumps out of bed wearing a long-sleeve shirt, an overlaid tunic, his signature hat, a buckled-up belt, and red shoes. It is a look that persists in A Link Between Worlds, too.
We can be slightly more lenient with titles like Link’s Awakening or the Oracle games, where Link is often knocked unconscious rather than choosing to retire for the night. Even in Breath of the Wild, where he spends 100 years in cold storage, he is at least in his underwear—which, frankly, is a step up from the usual full-kit slumber.
The Leather Problem
The original N64 version of Ocarina of Time remains one of the worst offenders. The opening sequence shows Link tossing and turning in his sleep, and it is no surprise why; he is wearing calf-height leather boots to bed. While the Switch 2 remake seems to have freed his feet, the leather has simply migrated upward into a full chestplate and skirt. The poor guy just can't catch a break.
Even in The Minish Cap, where Link at least has the decency to take off his hat before hitting the hay, he still keeps the belt and shoes on. And don't get us started on Skyward Sword. Going to bed in a long-sleeve top, a rigid midriff brace tied with thick rope, trousers, snowboots, and earrings? It is a recipe for a very sweaty night’s sleep.
After four decades of hopping between worlds, defeating enemies, and helping farmers manage their chickens, doesn't the hero deserve a pair of fluffy bottoms and an oversized tee? We think it’s time for a change.