I’ve mentioned before that I’m a big fan of fish monsters, and by extension, I greatly prefer the design of Zoras from the first 3 Zelda games as opposed to the Ocarina of Time design. So, imagine my surprise when looking at old OoT concept art when I come across a sketch with early designs for characters, including Princess Ruto. This early design (which can be seen in this image in the bottom right:
cdn.discordapp.com/attachments…) is much closer to the original design of the monsters from the early games, and so I wanted to draw her a little. Honestly, I think this design fits her personality so much better, and makes even more sense as to why Link doesn’t reciprocate her affection. Her, a gross monster obliviously asserting that the hero must marry her as if she’s not a weird fish creature is so endearing and cute.
(Also, as the sketch in the concept image is upside down, here is an isolated, flipped version:
media.discordapp.net/attachmen…)