The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda series first debuted over thirty-five years ago on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Since then it has cemented itself as one of the most beloved intellectual properties in gaming.

(NOTE: Video is of an older iteration of the project)

Typically, The Legend of Zelda centers around three characters: the hero and player character Link, the elegant and noble Princess Zelda, and the dark Lord Ganondorf. These characters reincarnate in a perpetual battle for the land of Hyrule. Each one has a piece of a sacred artifact known as the Triforce. Link bears the Triforce of Courage, Zelda possesses the Triforce of Wisdom, and Ganondorf wields the Triforce of Power. Together, these pieces form the complete Triforce. According to legend, when the pieces are united they grant the owner whatever wish he or she desires. Generally, Link sets to defeat Ganon, rescue Princess Zelda, and protect Hyrule and the Triforce.

This project sets out as a celebration of the series, rather than a representation of a single game. The centerpiece of the project is a model of classic Link from the original game, standing over 20 cm tall. Additionally, it includes a model of the iconic Master Sword and Hylian Shield. These accessories include stands so that they can be displayed on their own, but they can also be used to replace the sword and shield on the main model, creating a display piece that merges the retro style with more modern incarnations. Additionally, I have added elements from both The Wind Waker and Skyward Sword, in the form of the King of the Red Lions and a Loftwing. As a celebration of the series, I think any potential set could include an element from every 3D Legend of Zelda game.

The model may look simple, but it makes use of a complex and sturdy core, which is then expanded using the studs-not-on-top technique to recreate Link using the best proportions possible at this scale. If the centerpiece figure is removed, the stand can be separated into multiple modules that can then be connected in different ways to form a playset.

Currently the project has five figures. Naturally, the three most important characters are included: Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf. The fourth figure is an enemy known as a Golden Lynel. These terrifying monsters first appeared in the original game, but they have been recently redesigned for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This figure of a Lynel is based on the most recent iteration and bears a Savage Lynel Club, which Link can also wield. The fifth included figure is a Tektite, an enemy that first appeared in the original game and has made frequent appearances since then.

With Lego's ability to produce old parts in new colors, changes could be made to greatly improve the current minifigures. The Lynel could make use of the Lego Faun collectable minifigure leg piece and Link's hair color could be changed to his blonde hair, or it could even use the new centaur leg piece. All the figures could be printed with better designs. Additionally during the design process if Lego deemed it necessary they could produce new parts to make the minifigures even more accurate.

There has previously been Lego Ideas projects based on The Legend of Zelda series. Many have reached 10,000 supporters and gone through review, only to be rejected during the final phase. This has created a lot of pessimism for the chance of there ever being a Lego set based on the games. While I understand the pessimism, every project has their own set of challenges that could have led to rejection and a previous rejection does not mean a project can't get through in the future. 

Obviously even if a project reaches 10,000 supporters, it does not guarantee that Lego will produce it as a set. However I know that demand for a project based on The Legend of Zelda is still high and I believe it is worth taking another shot. Submitting your vote only takes a moment and does not put you under any obligation to purchase anything. Here's hoping we can reach 10,000 supporters and show Lego and Nintendo the demand for sets based on The Legend of Zelda series!

(NOTE: Video is of an older iteration of the project)