the lack of empathy given to zelda and the lack of agency given to link by fans is so confounding to me. link could’ve just not given zelda the ocarina and then she wouldn’t have been able to punish herself by sending away the only person left who cares about her.
Zelda probably didn't do exactly the right thing by sending link back. It was well intentioned, but that world was already over for Link. He can't even cash in on his heroic reputation to build a new life. She really screws him, here.