Gramps

Gramps is a character that appears in A Link Between Worlds.^{[3][note 1]} He is an elderly citizen in charge of the game's StreetPass functionality, Shadow Link Battles, and stands in the StreetPass Meadow on the western side of Kakariko Village.

Far stronger than Yuga Ganon, the Final Boss, Gramps also acts as the game's Superboss; Once all 50 Challenge Medals have been collected, Gramps can be challenged to a duel in a similar fashion to fighting a Shadow Link. He himself wields upgraded versions of all the items and gear available to Link. He is however entirely optional and therefore not required to be beaten in order to complete the game.

Biography

Upon first speaking to Gramps, he will explain how StreetPass works and help Link create his Shadow Link. Once a Shadow Link has been created for the first time, Gramps will plant the StreetPass Tree just west of Link's House. The Apples on the Tree will increase with the number of challenges that are completed.^{[citation needed]} Gramps can be spoken to at any time to make changes to the Shadow Link's inventory, look at the list of Challenges and earned Medals, or have him repeat an explanation of how StreetPass works. Occasionally when speaking to him, Gramps will ask Link if he has visited the Apple Tree. If Link says that he hasn't, Gramps will wonder aloud that the young hero must prefer oranges to apples.^{[citation needed]} However, if Link claims that he has visited the Tree when he really hasn't, Gramps will catch him in the lie.^{[citation needed]}

Speaking to Gramps after obtaining all 50 Challenge Medals prompts him to challenge Link to a duel.^[1] Defeating him rewards the hero with 5 Rupees, and allows Link to rematch him at any time.^[5] Gramps explains that his bounty is so low because he pays for all the Shadow Link bounties out of his own pocket, and also reveals that he established the Shadow Link Battles so that he could meet someone who is stronger than him.^[6]

Gramps is also shown during the credits sequence, following scenes of the Sages returning home and the Hyruleans celebrating. Unlike the other characters, Gramps himself is not seen to be celebrating, but simply standing in the StreetPass Meadow.

Gramps bears numerous notable similarities to Link himself: he wears a Green Tunic, wields a vast arsenal of items, and even has the capability to wield the Master Sword. According to the Rumor Guy in the Lost Woods, Gramps dubiously claims to be 80 years old. ^[7] Despite his old age, he has been seen doing one-fingered handstands, hinting at his formidable strength and athleticism. ^[8]

In battle

Going by the player name of "Legendary", Gramps has 20 Heart Containers, all 50 Challenge Medals and fully upgraded gear; the Master Sword Lv3, Hylian Shield, Red Mail (although it is not visible on him), Pegasus Boots, Stamina Scroll and the Bee Badge. He will use two of any item in its upgraded form and may also use Blue, Yellow or Purple Potion. In addition, Gramps also knows the Great Spin. Essentially, he is copying Link with all possible upgrades, making himself a deadly opponent and will prove a challenge for an unprepared player.

The battle against Gramps will take place in a randomly selected arena. However, the Desert Arena is usually only chosen if he has equipped the Sand Rod. He is extremely agile, and will frequently dodge Link's attacks or defend himself with his Shield.

Characteristics

The battle will differ somewhat depending on the arena and the items that Gramps brings to the fight. In particular, the Purple Potion can be very difficult for Link to combat against if Gramps is given the opportunity to use it, as it gives him the ability of double damage; It will deal up to 8 Hearts of damage, except in Hero Mode where it can instantly deal up to a devastating 32 Hearts, always resulting in a 1-hit KO. It is not recommended to bring Bees, which are completely ineffective on Gramps as he carries the Bee Badge. It is best to circle around Gramps and continually stun him with the Boomerang, opening a chance to safely attack him and preventing him from using his items.

Gallery

• 
  Artwork of Gramps
• 
  Link talking to Gramps in A Link Between Worlds
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  Link battling Gramps at the StreetPass Meadow in A Link Between Worlds

Trivia

• Due to Gramps being able to mirror Link in every way in skill and abilities even more so than Dark Link, wears the Green Clothes and wields the Master Sword, making himself arguably the most dangerous opponent in the entire franchise, some fans believe this character to be a former incarnation of the main protagonist. Despite this, it is not confirmed by Nintendo.
• Gramps is tied with Shadow Link for the highest potential damage output of any vulnerable enemy in The Legend of Zelda series, able to deal 32 Hearts of damage with a single use of the Purple Potion in Hero Mode.
• Gramps is the only Hylian Boss and one of the few "friendly bosses" of the series. Along with Dark Link in Spirit Tracks, Gramps is also one of two secret bosses in the games.
• Due to the one-on-one duel being a StreetPass battle, Gramps is the only boss who is unable to actually kill Link if he defeats him, and therefore will not result a Game Over.
• Gramps musing that Link prefers oranges is a reference to the idiom of comparing apples and oranges.
• Gramps is one of the very few characters known to wield the Blade of Evil's Bane in the series, with the others being Link and Princess Zelda.
• The optional duel with Gramps is one of the rare cases in the series or other media where more than one Master Sword is in existence.

Nomenclature

See Also

• Shadow Link

Notes

References