So there is a difference between Shadow Link and Dark Link.
Dark Link has made an appearance in Ocarina of Time, Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages, A Link Between Worlds, Spirit Tracks, and a cutscene cameo in Twilight Princess. He is also shown to be set inside a room waiting to battle his other-self. Dark Link is also more classically Link’s dark side. His anger amplified.
Shadow Link has made an appearance in Four Sword Adventures, A Link Between Worlds, and Tri Force Heroes. This Shadow was created by a manifestation from a Dark Mirror. It seems this one has more roaming capability than Dark Link. This anger is amplified by Ganon his self.
Now, these two are similar in the fact that they are both created by hate and a sort of Shadow magic. The hate comes from different places; which is very interesting and important in how these two entities are created. I did notice something. The Adventure of Link’s Shadow is not listed in either category. That one is known as Link’s Shadow. I found it super interesting that this one is its category and is the hardest boss amongst the other two categories. The origins are even more skewed. Its creation could be a direct link to the blood curse to resurrect Ganon....
I got my information from Zelda Wiki just because I was interested in the differences between the two. Especially, how the Linked Universe is using the entity. I wanted to brush up on some knowledge in regards to Dark and Shadow. However, there isn’t much to find.
Who knows.. What if dink is really Link’s Shadow? Or what if Hyrule.. Has to get aid from his Shadow to find out more about what Dink’s doing?? What if Links Shadow is manipulative and can talk? Like his job is to make you doubt yourself? Can we all talk about that?
