Mad Batter

Mad Batter
Mad Batter
Species	Bat
Debut	The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The Mad Batter (known as Li'l Devil in the remake of Link's Awakening) is a minor character who has appeared in several The Legend of Zelda games. He is a bat-like creature who is known for placing curses on those that disturb his slumber, but said curses actually prove to be helpful to his targets.

Background

The Mad Batter was a mysterious being of which very little was known. The Mad Batter had slept for years undisturbed in his home/prison beneath the Dwarven Smithies' home during A Link to the Past. This peace was disturbed when Link fell into his cave and awakened the Mad Batter with a bit of magical dust. The Mad Batter was infuriated and overjoyed all at the same time. Intent on getting his revenge for being set free, he 'cursed' Link by doubling the amount on magic he could use. Content that Link would have to suffer in misery, he promptly thanked Link and vanished.

The Mad Batter reappeared on Koholint Island in Link's Awakening. He was found at three underground caverns in different parts of the island. As in his other appearance, he was awakened by sprinkling Magic Powder onto his altar. Despite placing a curse on Link, he also thanked him for waking him up. In this game, his curse would allow Link to carry more of a particular item (Arrows, Bombs or Magic Powder). The Mad Batter would also ask Link if he was ready before applying the curse. If Link said no, then he would offer to place a curse on one of the two other items covered by his curse instead of letting him go.

Trivia

• The Mad Batter is possibly some form of Keese or Ache.
• The name of 'Mad Batter' was only provided by the Player's Guide for A Link to the Past. It is a simple pun on the name of the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland, a character who was likewise known for being deluded.
• In Breath of the Wild, there is a Horned Statue with a similar gimmick of providing a service to Link while believing that he is cursing him.