10 Video Game Underdogs That Defied All Odds

The Kingdom of Hyrule has been embroiled in conflict time after time, with threats of varying magnitudes vying for ultimate power. Its saviour isn't a brute with unlimited strength, or a divine figure with godly power to match, but a simple boy, who rises to the occasion in becoming one of Nintendo's most recognizable characters and underdogs.

At Link's core, no matter which franchise entry is played, he is someone who epitomizes optimism and perseverance. Above all else, he possesses the courage to do what's right, in order to both fend off the threats of darkness, as well as save the land of Hyrule. In A Link to the Past, for example, Link starts off as a simple boy, who lives with his uncle. Once contacted telepathically by Princess Zelda, he sets off on a journey to save her.

The death of his uncle, the immensely powerful forces of darkness, and the dark wizard Ganon himself only exacerbated the potential for Link to save the day. It was who he was at his core, however, that not only enabled Link to wield the Master Sword, but save Hyrule and defeat Ganon for good.

Link may not possess archetypal traits of a traditional protagonist, such as an imposing stature or massive amounts of strength. He does possess an impenetrable will to do good, which, as demonstrated throughout the franchise, is enough to best any opposition.