The Legend of Zelda is a game series that first began over thirty years ago on the NES. Since then it has cemented itself as one of the most beloved intellectual properties in gaming.











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 Ganon. These characters reincarnate in a perpetual battle for the land of Hyrule. Each one has a piece of an ancient and sacred artifact known as the Triforce. Link bears the Triforce of Courage, Zelda possesses the Triforce of Wisdom, and Ganon 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 focuses on trying to celebrate the series, rather than focusing on one 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 interpretations.











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 four figures. The first minifigure is the main character of the series—Link, and the second is Ganondorf. The third 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. The fourth included figure is a Tektite, an enemy that first appeared in the original game and has reappeared often since then.























Any final product based on The Legend of Zelda should include a minifigure representing Princess Zelda, something I have not gotten to. Additionally, 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. Ganondorf could be printed with more accurate detailing and a better skin tone.



There has previously been Lego Ideas projects based on The Legend of Zelda series. A total of four 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. Here's some reasons that I believe that this project stands a chance of being made into a set.







In recent years, Nintendo has teamed up with Universal to develop a Nintendo theme park. They have also partnered with the animation company Illumination in order to develop a CGI movie based on their Super Mario series. Additionally they have partnered with third-party companies, such as Omega Force and Brace Yourself Games, in order to develop video games based on The Legend of Zelda series. This is something that has changed drastically in just the past decade. In prior years Nintendo was protective of their franchises and they were very hesitant to license out their properties.



Previous projects based on The Legend of Zelda existed while Lego Ideas was still in its infancy. Since then, the rules have changed and they have become much more defined. While every single one of the previous projects contained fantastic ideas, unfortunately many of them would not meet the rules set out by the Lego Ideas team today. Since the rules are now more clear-cut and defined, this project has been designed to closely match the current standards set by the Lego Ideas team.



One of the biggest roadblocks that previous projects based on The Legend of Zelda series faced is that Lego had no piece adequate to represent Link's iconic hat and hair. Most previous projects suggested the introduction of a new piece, which we now know is outside of the scope of Lego Ideas. In the 4+ years since the latest project based on The Legend of Zelda series reached 10,000 supporters, Lego has produced a new piece which is absolutely ideal for Link. This enables Lego to create a minifigure that closely matches Link without the need for a new piece.



There has been some concern that Nintendo's partnerships with other companies to produce building blocks sets based on some of their other intellectual properties prevents Nintendo from partnering with Lego for a set based on The Legend of Zelda. However, we know that if a project based on an intellectual property is gaining traction and there is a known licensing conflict, Lego Ideas will take the project down. Since this has never happened to a project based on The Legend of Zelda series, even though five projects have amassed 10,000 supporters, it seems that no such conflict exists.



The Legend of Zelda series is more popular now than it ever has been in the past. The most recent entry has sold over over 15 million copies and continues to sell well around the world today, two and a half years after release. It is now the best selling entry in the series, and its lead is still growing. Now would be the ideal time for Lego to produce a set based on the franchise.







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!





