28 Years Later, Ocarina of Time’s Saddest Line Is Still the Best in Zelda History
A retrospective argues that Saria’s farewell to Link in *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* remains one of the series’ most affecting moments. As Link leaves Kokiri Forest, her hope that they will “be friends forever” captures the loss of childhood and home that begins with his journey.
The article says the scene’s sadness comes from the contrast between Saria’s innocent goodbye and the sacrifices Link is about to make. He leaves for Hyrule, later awakens in a grim future and must become the Hero of Time; the writer hopes a new version of the game preserves the moment. The piece also notes other emotional lines, including Zelda’s farewell near the end.
In short
- Saria’s goodbye marks Link’s departure from childhood.
- Link’s journey will cost him years of his youth.
- The writer hopes a new version keeps the scene intact.
Explained simply
The Legend of Zelda is a long-running series of fantasy adventure games made by Nintendo. In Ocarina of Time, the young hero Link grows up in Kokiri Forest before leaving on a quest across the kingdom of Hyrule.
Saria is Link’s close friend in the forest, where the Kokiri children believe they never grow older. His departure marks the start of a journey that takes him away from his childhood home and into a changed, dangerous world.
The farewell matters because it sets up the story’s themes of growing up, separation and the cost of duty. Ocarina of Time is often remembered for balancing adventure with personal moments between its characters.