“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch’s launch in 2017, is a groundbreaking entry in the long-standing Zelda franchise. Playing this game through a feminist lens involves examining its treatment of gender roles, character agency, and the broader implications of its narrative choices. Drawing on Shira Chess’s “Play Like a Feminist,” particularly the insights from the Introduction and Chapter 4, this analysis explores how “Breath of the Wild” intertwines feminist theories and where it falls short.
In “Play Like a Feminist,” Chess argues that feminist gaming is about questioning and rethinking traditional narratives and roles within games. It’s not just about having female characters, but about how these characters are portrayed and the roles they play within the game world. “Breath of the Wild” offers an expansive open-world experience, but it’s crucial to scrutinize how it handles its characters, particularly Princess Zelda and Link, through this feminist framework.
Character Representation and Agency
Princess Zelda in “Breath of the Wild” is a central figure, both in the story’s lore and in Link’s quest. Unlike many previous Zelda games where she played a more passive role, this iteration gives her a more active backstory. She is depicted as a scholar and a warrior struggling to awaken her powers to save Hyrule. This aligns with Chess’s call for more dynamic female characters who are agents of their own destinies.
However, despite this progressive portrayal, Zelda is ultimately still in need of rescue by Link, reinforcing a traditional damsel-in-distress trope. While her character is fleshed out more than in previous games, her narrative arc remains secondary to Link’s journey. A feminist critique would point out that true equality in storytelling would involve Zelda having an active, playable role in the main quest, rather than being a background motivator for the male protagonist’s actions.
Gender and Power Dynamics
“Breath of the Wild” introduces several strong female characters, such as the warrior Urbosa and the scientist Purah. These characters contribute to a more diverse portrayal of women in the game’s world, showcasing different forms of strength and intelligence. Chess emphasizes the importance of varied and authentic female representation in games, and “Breath of the Wild” makes strides in this direction.
However, the game’s power dynamics still lean heavily towards male characters. Link, the player character, is the primary hero whose actions drive the narrative forward. While female characters like Urbosa are powerful, they are often presented in supportive or secondary roles. This echoes Chess’s argument that even when women are present in games, they are frequently positioned in ways that support male protagonism rather than stand as equals or leaders.
Interweaving Feminist Theories
One of the key feminist theories discussed by Chess is the concept of inclusivity in gaming narratives. “Breath of the Wild” does take steps towards inclusivity with its diverse cast and deeper characterization of Zelda. However, it misses opportunities to fully integrate feminist principles by not allowing these characters to take on more central roles.
For instance, a more feminist approach to the game’s design could involve expanding Zelda’s narrative role, giving her more scenes that showcase her intelligence, resilience, and leadership independent of Link. This would not only enrich the storytelling but also highlight Zelda’s contributions to the fight against Ganon, presenting her as a true partner in the quest rather than a figure waiting to be saved.
To conclude, playing “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” as a feminist involves recognizing its efforts in character diversity and complexity, while also critiquing its adherence to traditional gender roles and narratives. By incorporating feminist theories more thoroughly, future games in the series can create more inclusive and balanced storytelling. This not only benefits the representation of women in games but also enriches the gaming experience for all players, challenging them to rethink conventional narratives and embrace more diverse forms of heroism.
