- Not to be confused with Richard, the dog appearing in Ocarina of Time.
Prince Richard is a character in Link's Awakening.[1][note 1] He originates from the 1992 Japan-only Game Boy title Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru (The Frog For Whom the Bell Tolls), where he is the rival and childhood friend of its main protagonist Prince of Sablé.
Biography[]
Prince Richard is a noble swordsman who once lived in Kanalet Castle, but his servants went berserk and kicked him out.[3] He then moved a little ways off in a small house, Richard's Villa. Richard is only interested in getting his five Golden Leaves back and asks Link to retrieve them.[4] The young hero receives the Slime Key buried in the Pothole Field, the garden in back of Richard's Villa, for gathering the five Golden Leaves.[5]
The overworld theme The Frog For Whom the Bell Tolls is used as the theme for Richard's Villa. Inside, there are many Frogs, which is also a reference to his game of origin.
Trivia[]
- He is one of several guest characters in Link's Awakening from a different Nintendo franchise to appear in a The Legend of Zelda game.
- The Japanese video game where Prince Richard debuted is not very well-known overseas, and therefore many Western Zelda fans do not know who the character is.
- Ironically, the game engine of Kaeru no Tame ni Kane wa Naru is an early version of what would be used for Link's Awakening.
- Richard shares a similarity with Link alongside several key characters from the Fire Emblem series such as Marth in that he is a heroic swordsman who lives in a medieval fantasy setting.
- If Link waits in Richard's Villa and lets the tune continue for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, "Totaka's Song" will eventually begin playing.
- If Link attempts to talk with Prince Richard before returning BowWow to Madam MeowMeow, he will shoo him away, telling the young hero to return without the Chain Chomp.[6]
- In the photo with Prince Richard in Link's Awakening DX, Link can be seen showing the V sign, a gesture famously used by Mario, Nintendo's mascot and main character of the Mario series.
- He is referenced in the Super Smash Bros. series, specifically Brawl and Ultimate, where he appears as a Sticker and Spirit, respectively.
Nomenclature[]
Richard means "brave power". It is built from the Germanic name elements ric, which means "rule" and "power", along with hard, meaning "hardy" and "brave".[7]
 Names in other regions  | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | ||
 | Japanese | リチャード (Richādo) (LANS) | |
 | German | Richard (LANS) | |
 | Italian | Richard (LANS) | |
| This table was generated using translation pages. | |||
Gallery[]
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Artwork of Prince Richard from a 4koma Link's Awakening manga[which?]
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Artwork of Prince Richard from The Frog For Whom the Bell Tolls
![Artwork of Prince Richard from a 4koma Link's Awakening manga[which?]](https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/zelda_gamepedia_en/images/b/bd/LA_Prince_Richard_Artwork_2.png/revision/latest?cb=20161229033711)
Notes
- ↑ Richard (Link's Awakening) was referred to as Prince Richard prior to Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch.[2] However, as this contradicts the name given in Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch, it is not considered Canon.
References
- ↑ "Richard" — N/A (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 233
- ↑ "Salutations! You wouldn't know by the look of me, but I used to live in the castle! My servants went berserk and I was forced to flee to my villa... So, you want the key to Ukuku Prairie, do you? I may be able to help you... Let's make... a deal, shall we? I want you to retrieve the Golden Leaf I left behind in the castle when I fled..." — Prince Richard (Link's Awakening DX)
- ↑ "Smashing! To tell you the truth, there are five leaves, and I want them all! Oh, you'll need to do some digging, so buy a shovel! Are you off, then? Good luck!" — Prince Richard (Link's Awakening)
- ↑ "Ahh! Tres Bien! I see you have recovered all of the leaves! Now, move this box and you will find your reward! " — Prince Richard (Link's Awakening DX)
- ↑ "Ahem! Really, I must insist that you not bring that awful beast in here! Leave that creature outside and then we can talk! Good Bye!" — Prince Richard (Link's Awakening DX)
- ↑ Given Name RICHARD, behindthename.com.