Young Link

Young Link is sometimes referred to as the 'Hero of Time'. He grew up in Kokiri Forest but was actually a Hylian who was orphaned. In the forest, he wasn't well-liked by many of the other kids because, unlike the rest of them, he did not possess a fairy. His only true friends were Saria and the Deku Tree. He is eventually paired with his fairy, Navi by the Deku Tree and together they are tasked with visiting Princess Zelda and completing an important mission. When Link finally meets with Princess Zelda, she fills him in on the evil plans of Lord Ganondorf. Zelda tasks Link with retrieving two spiritual stones with which they will be able to open the Sacred realm and take possession of the Master Sword and bring Ganondorf's plan to a halt. Upon succeeding in his mission, Link returns to Hyrule where Zelda resides only to find that Ganondorf was making his big play in a bid to get the Ocarina of Time. 

Ganondorf is eventually able to cross into the sacred realm unwittingly helped by Link and is able to obtain the Triforce. Meanwhile, Link is sealed away in the Sacred Realm despite being recognized as worthy of wielding the Master Sword. He was unfortunately considered too young to be the Hero of Time hence his inability to do anything against Ganondorf.

Link is awakened 7 years later and must save the world from Ganondorf. To do this, Link must first awaken 7 sages who will then proceed to destroy the power of Ganondorf. After several trials, Link is eventually able to succeed and defeat Ganondorf, but not before the villain promised to return and destroy both the descendants of Zelda and Link. 

Young Link returns in Majora's Mask where he has to save a town from being destroyed by the moon. Majora's Mask features a much darker story than most were used to and this has ensured it garnered a cult following.