For the one person reading this that doesn't know who I am at this point, I like to think of myself as a gamer. I may not have grown up with them like most have, but I tried to immerse myself in the culture as much as I could. Because of this, I've never really played a Zelda game before. But, as the title may suggest, I know a little about it.
But, given where this lives, you alrady know this isn't about gaming. It's about the warning the old man gives Link just before handing him a sword. Even with that small bit part, so much can be gleaned from it.
First, it serves as a heads up from those who came before. We may never know the old man's backstory, but the line he delivers has wisdom in it He knows the tasks ahead of you will be treacherous. That being equipped and prepared for the journey ahead will go a long way. Teh way that those who have struggled before us, whether they are with us or not, can prepare us mentally, physically, and emotionally for the struggles that lie ahead.
Sure, you can walk past the cave and never get the sword, but the overall consesus is that it would be impossible to complete. But, when fightiing for the collective liberation of the people, we don't get the pleasure of extra lives and continues. So, why not get a leg up, listen to those who have gone before us, and take the sword.
Then, there is the line itself. Now, I can see an arguement that tyou are handed a sword and then sent on your way alone. I'd actually challenge that. The supoprt of the old man, even after leaving him in the cave, is still with you. He believes that you have what it takes to take on and defeat Ganon. He is your periphery. While he isn't taking on the fight himself, he provides the tools and support needed for you to push forward.
But why am I waxing philosophical about the first spoken line in a very old video game I've never played?
It's because I see so many people still hurting from what's happening. There are so many people who still feel helpless in the face of all the oppression and terror that is playing out in real time. Just like the crumbling Empire, people are lashing out because they feel the loss of control in their lives. But they are at least waking up and trying to move.
There are so many people who wake up, put on the green tunic and head right for the boss. I tried to be one of those people. I was so tired of living in a system that could visit unspeakable horrors upon its people and never bat an eye. So many plans made. So many actions taken. But nothing mattered. I'm just one person, screaming into a void, hoping someone would listen. If only someone would follow MY lead, we can fight back.
But, that's where the old man comes in. It is dangerous to think that I alone was going to do something. In fact, that's how the system wants you to fight back. it's easier to take on challenges one by one. But organizing and forming a collective force can and already has overcome such massive forces that stand before it.
By seeking help and guidance, you become equipped with the knowledge of those that come before you. What worked and what didn't. How they adapted to meet the moment and the struggles they faced.
Also, through organizing, you get support, be it emotional, mental, physical, and hopefully, material support. As calls for a general strike get louder, the support networks from the frontlines, the sidelines, and the stands will matter more than ever. If we move collectively, nothing the system throws at us will ever tear us apart!
So, again, I'll remind you of what the old man said:
"It's dangerous to go alone! Take this!"