Linebeck is the captain of the SS Linebeck,[7] which Link uses to travel the World of the Ocean King for the full course of the game. Linebeck travels the world seeking treasure, which seems to be his driving force in everything he does, including accompanying Link.[8]
Link meets Linebeck in the Temple of the Ocean King on Mercay Island early in his journey. He is told about Linebeck by Oshus, an old man living on the island, who tells him to go to the port to see him.[10] While the SS Linebeck is docked there, its captain has been gone, presumably to Mercay Tavern, the nearby Milk Bar.[11] However, upon entering it, Link discovers that Linebeck had left to the Temple for treasure.[12]
Linebeck is then found on the first floor of the Temple, trapped by spikes, and he asks Link to help him, saying that he hurt his ankle and could not do it himself.[13] After being rescued, he runs off, telling Link to find the Sea Chart he was looking for inside.
Eventually, Link and Linebeck agree to work together, sailing onward to the Ghost Ship, Link to rescue Tetra, and Linebeck to investigate the rumors of treasure on it.[8] After it is revealed that the treasure of the Ghost Ship never existed, Linebeck decides to no longer allow Link to use his ship.[14] However, Oshus, later revealed to be the Ocean King, promises to grant him one wish if he continues to help Link.[15] Linebeck has an immediate change of heart when faced with the fact that he could have any treasure in the world, and quickly moves out to continue the journey.[16]
Linebeck introducing himself
Near the end of the game, Linebeck and Link board the Ghost Ship after attacking it, though the SS Linebeck becomes sunken in the fight. Suddenly, Link is captured by Bellum, the monster who controlled the Ghost Ship and was behind the petrification of Tetra. A terrified Linebeck uses the Phantom Sword dropped by Link to stab the weakened Bellum in one of his tentacles, freeing Link. However, Bellum manages to attack Linebeck and possess him,[17] turning him into a monstrous knight akin to a Phantom, and forces Link to fight him. Link eventually triumphs, defeating Bellum without injuring Linebeck, freeing him. Linebeck seems disgusted with himself for attacking Link, even though he had the excuse of being possessed.[18] However, Link and Ciela forgive him.[19]
During the end of the game, Oshus in his true form as the Ocean King, asks Linebeck to tell him what his promised wish was.[20] Instead of treasure as the others were expecting, Linebeck's only wish is to have his previously sunken boat fixed.[21] This shocks the others, but his wish is granted, and the SS Linebeck is restored.[22] The final scene of the game is shows Linebeck's boat sailing away and tooting its horn.
Linebeck coming out of hiding place after Jolene leaves the SS Linebeck
People on the islands Link visits seem to have a respect or admiration for Linebeck, calling him brave and wishing to travel the seas like him.[23] However, Link and Ciela see a different side of him, different from the persona he puts up as a brave adventurer. Instead, Linebeck shows himself to be for the most part a coward, running away from trouble and staying with his boat instead of going into the dungeons with Link.[24]
Ciela and Linebeck also constantly fight throughout the course of the game. The two rarely call each other by their real names, instead using insulting nicknames, and are almost cruel to each other at points. However, by the end of the game, they have reluctantly gained respect for each other.
Because he travels with Linebeck, Link meets Jolene, a pirate girl who travels the seas to get revenge on him. When she spots the SS Linebeck, she immediately attacks and ambushes it, fighting Link while Linebeck hides in a crate to watch.[2] Eventually, Linebeck tells Link how he met Jolene. At one point in the past, he had accidentally saved her from a monster that he was trying to escape. Because of this he and Jolene became friends and sailed together for a while, until Linebeck stole some of her treasure and ran away, which caused Jolene to seek revenge.[25] After a final match, Jolene tells Link that he has eyes like the man who captivated her and tells Linebeck to take notes, which hints at an emotional attachment she holds for Linebeck.[26]
Spirit Tracks
Linebeck's grave later appears in Spirit Tracks in the re-established kingdom of Hyrule, revealing that he also came to the new land and made a family there. His grandson, Linebeck III, appears in the game as the spitting image of his grandfather.
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In the Phantom Hourglass manga by Akira Himekawa, Linebeck was part of an investigation of the Ghost Ship. His crew-mates were busy celebrating over the treasure they found, which was really an illusion. One by one the crew was disintegrated, leaving Linebeck, who fled in the life-boat.
In this manga, it is revealed that the treasure Linebeck stole from Jolene was squid jerky.[27][28]
A sailor who hunts for the Ghost Ship and its fabled treasure. Islanders speak of him with admiration, but he is more often cowardly and stingy. And he can't even swim! Despite this, he joins Link's ocean venture and finally finds his courage when it's really needed!
RandomCan be obtained in Classic Mode, in All-Star Mode, in Trophy Rush, in Smash Run, or purchased from the Trophy Shop
Linebeck is a Master Spirit who oversees expeditions into the Jungle in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Upon entering the Jungle, explorers are greeted with promises of "great fortune" and is encouraged to assemble a team of Spirits to embark on an exploration of the Jungle.[29] If no team of Spirits is deployed and the location is left, Linebeck will be ashamed and encourage them to come back soon.[30] If an incomplete team of Spirits is disbanded, Linebeck will be disappointed and will ask for confirmation.[31] However, if a team is deployed, he will be happy to send Spirits on an exploration.[32]
When trying to cancel an ongoing exploration in the Jungle, Linebeck will ask for confirmation, bemoaning the wasted potential for treasure.[33][34] If an expedition is completed, Linebeck will be relieved the Spirits made it back, asking them if they found any treasure, and asking them if they want to explore again.[35]
Luigi's appearance in Linebeck's Spirit Battle is a reference to Linebeck's cowardly nature. The Stage, Wuhu Island, is permanently set to the cruiser in reference to the SS Linebeck.
Trivia
The Phantom Hourglass official game guide refers to Linebeck's possessed form as "Bellumbeck".[36] That name is also present in the game's code, implying that developers forgot to insert the boss's name when the battle starts.
"Linebeck's Theme" is influenced by the essence of Japanese Enka, rooted in a narrative singing known as Naniwabushi. It is redone after the first composition, which is described as "inspired by Linebeck's artwork". It is also criticized as "feeling uncouth and giving the sorrow of a middle-aged man".[37][38]
The background music of Tag Mode in Spirit Tracks is an arranged version of Linebeck's Theme. Toru Minegishi, the composer of the original theme, speculates it is inspired by the Tag Mode's treasure exchange feature, as Linebeck has a strong interest in treasures.[39]
The director of Phantom Hourglass, Daiki Iwamoto, describes that Linebeck is a special character for him. According to subdirector Hidemaro Fujibayashi, one of the pieces of feedback from Iwamoto regarding a scene Fujibayashi wrote was "Linebeck wouldn't say that".[40]
Linebeck is derived from his Japanese name, ラインバック (Rainbakku), which is presumably spelled as "Lineback" and likely a pun on "back of the line". This is an allusion to his tendency to run off to keep himself away from the forefront, which is often translated as 最前線Saizensen (front line) in Japanese.[42]
Names in Other Regions
Language
Names
Meanings
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
↑ 2.02.1Phew! Say what you will about that girl, she KNOWS how to imitate a pirate! "Linebeck, Professional Crate Inspector!" Kind of catchy, don't you think? Here's a tip for giving that crazy girl the heave-ho for me, Link! — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑We’ve made it way too far to give up. You wait here, Captain Shiverknees! — Ciela (Phantom Hourglass)
↑ 4.04.1And that's where you'll discover the treasure! Best of luck to you! HA HA! -- Linebeck Senior — Linebeck (Spirit Tracks)
↑ 8.08.1So you're trying to get your mitts on the treasure! ... If that's what this is about, I'm on board! — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑You mean that guy who came to visit, Grandpa? He asked about the Ghost Ship! I remember him! — Ciela (Phantom Hourglass)
↑There is a port to the east of here. A sailor by the name of Linebeck should be there. He'll be willing to tell you more about the Ghost Ship. — Oshus (Phantom Hourglass)
↑What? You're searching for Linebeck? The captain usually drops anchor at the milk bar, but I haven't seen him in days. Perhaps the bar owner knows where Linebeck has vanished to. — Doudo (Phantom Hourglass)
↑Looking for Linebeck? Sure, I know him! And that chair there knew him recently! Linebeck just dashed out, saying he was off to the Temple of the Ocean King. I tried to stop that crazy fellow. But off he went to the north side of our isle. — Midori (Phantom Hourglass)
↑I know you're a kid and all, but try to listen up! I'm trapped in here, and I don't know what to do... Normally, I'd free myself without any problem, but... I sprained my ankle and I can't move. Will you help? — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑This is some kind of sick joke, old man! The treasure! What about all the TREASURE! That was the only reason I put my life on the line! And now there's no treasure? Well, I...QUIT! — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑No, no. I would never ask you to do this for free. If you help us defeat Bellum... I will grant you one wish. What do you say to that? — Oshus (Phantom Hourglass)
↑HEY! Quit standing around, kid! The Ocean King is in trouble! Ship out, kid! Anchors aweigh! I said, MOVE IT! — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑Oh, kid, I mean... Link! I'm sorry! I know I was possessed by that monster... But to think that I... — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑Shush, Linebeck! If you hadn't stood up to Bellum when you did... Who knows what might have happened to us! — Ciela (Phantom Hourglass)
↑I have to make good on a promise I made to you. I grant you one wish. — Oshus (Phantom Hourglass)
↑Well, I guess, if I have to... If you insist... Can you bring back my ship? The one that sank? — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑What? That's it? You know, even if you ask for treasure later, that's it! — Oshus (Phantom Hourglass)
↑But rumors that the Ghost Ship has returned have all but shut down our harbor! Except for one brave soul who recently docked his ship, that is. — Fuchiko (Phantom Hourglass)
↑What are you doing? Hurry up! We'd be done already if I was the one out there! But someone needs to stay here and look after the ship. A shame, really! — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑Well, if I'm being totally honest here, I was just trying to get away, see. I sort of lost control of my ship, and it just happened to strike the beast... So after that, Jolene and I traveled together for a time, but... Pretty soon, I realized that the two of us were from different worlds. Yeah... It's kind of embarrassing, but she was a LOT tougher than I. Plus, I just wasn't cut out for the rough-and-tumble life of a pirate! Yeah, I always preferred the laid-back style of just sneaking off with treasure. Anyway, Jolene and I started seeing less and less of each other... I knew I had to end it, and well...you know... Well... I made off with some of her treasure... — Linebeck (Phantom Hourglass)
↑There is something about your stubborn personality that...draws me. The one who captivated me so long ago had that same look in his eyes. — Jolene (Phantom Hourglass)
↑青沼 前作でラインバックの曲を担当したのは、峰岸だったんだよね。 峰岸 ええ。お手伝いとして担当した中の1曲なんです。 青沼 で、僕がダメ出しをしたんだよね？（苦笑） 峰岸 でも、あのダメ出しに、僕は感謝しているんですよ。最初に渡したのは、しょうもない曲でしたよね。 青沼 そこまでひどくなかったけど、ちょっとピンと来なくて。 峰岸 そのときは、「もっさりとしていて、中年男の悲哀を感じる」と青沼に言われました。 青沼 素直にそう感じたんだよ。 峰岸 僕としては、ラインバックの絵を見て、曲として自然に表現したつもりだったんです。そのときは、「ええ～、やり直しかよ！」とひそかに不満を持ったんですけど…。 ―― やる気がなくなったのでは？ 峰岸 いえ、青沼がきちんと助け船を出してくれて。やり直し用に、参考音源を渡してくれたんです。 青沼 決して投げっぱなしじゃないですからね。ちゃぶ台をひっくり返すときには、ちゃんと一緒に片づけますから（笑）。 ―― どんな参考音源を渡しんですか？ 青沼 演歌のノリというか、「なにわ節」を入れてほしかったので、そういった曲を渡したと思います。Aonuma: The composer of Linebeck's theme in the previous game was you, Minegishi? Minegishi: Yes. That was one of the songs I composed as additional staff. Aonuma: Then, I declined to use it, right? (laughs wryly) Minegishi: I appreciate the criticism, though. The first song didn't have any appeal. Aonuma: I wouldn't say it was that bad, but I didn't feel much of an impact. Minegishi: Aonuma commented on the song, "It feels uncouth and gives the sorrow of a middle-aged man". Aonuma: It was my honest opinion. Minegishi: For me, the song was my expression of what I think fits Linebeck, inspired by his artwork. At the time, I secretly thought, "What, a redo?" and felt unhappy. Interviewer: Didn't it discourage you? Minegishi: No, Aonuma helped me by handing me an audio reference for the redo. Aonuma: I won't leave the declined material to the staff. When I upturn the tea table, I'll help clean up the mess (laugh). Interviewer: What kind of audio reference did you hand to him? Aonuma: I want the song to have an essence of Enka, or "Naniwabushi", so I think the audio was a song from that kind of genre.(Translation: BluishBlue) (Nintendo Dream vol. vol.191 no. March, 2010, Mainichi Communications, Jan 21, 2010, pg. 75)
↑―― 曲の面でも、ラインバックへの愛情を強く感じました。 峰岸 すれちがい通信中の曲ですよね。これは共作者が担当したのですが、自発的にアレンジして、すれちがい通信の曲として採用していたんです。 ―― そのスタッフさんに、強い思い入れがあったんでしょうね。 峰岸 というよりも、「おたから」に関係するという背景を踏まえて、うまく入れてくれたんだと思うんですよ。ずいぶんお気楽な感じだけど、いい曲になったなぁと。Interviewer: I can see the love for Linebeck even in the music. Minegishi: The song you're talking about is the one that played during the Tag Mode? It was a co-composer's work. They made it without being asked by anyone, and it was chosen to be used. Interviewer: The composer must have a strong emotional attachment to Linebeck. Minegishi: I think they just cleverly chose to adopt the leitmotif, inspired by Linebeck's relation to treasures. The atmosphere of the arrangement is quite easygoing, but it turned out to be a good song.(Translation: BluishBlue) (Nintendo Dream vol. vol.191 no. March, 2010, Mainichi Communications, Jan 21, 2010, pg. 75)
↑"藤林 ばらばらの材料だけ渡されて、これをつじつまが合うようにつなげなさいって。しかも岩本からは、「ラインバックはこんなこと言わない」とか、いろいろ注文がうるさい（笑）。 岩本 リンクと冒険を共にするラインバックは、僕のこだわりのキャラクターですから。 青沼 岩本の分身ですよね、まるで。Fujibayashi: All things handed to me were just fragmented materials, and I was ordered to put them together to make sense. On top of that, Iwamoto made various complaints, like, "Linebeck wouldn't say that" (laughs). Iwamoto: Link's companion, Linebeck, is a special character to me. Aonuma: It's almost like he's an avatar of Iwamoto.(Translation: BluishBlue)" — ニンドリドットコム～ゼルダの伝説 夢幻の砂時計 開発スタッフインタビュー～ (web archive), nindori.com, retrieved July 13, 2025.