Can You Name These Zelda Characters?
- by Dylan Dembrow
- – on
- in The Geek Corner
First released in 1986, The Legend of Zelda series has gone on to become one of the most popular video game series of all time, consisting of 19 main games and a number of spin-offs that have gone on to sell over 75 million copies worldwide. The series was co-created by Nintendo mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto (creator the Mario series) who based the high-fantasy game on his childhood growing up in rural Japan.
Like any great video games, The Legend of Zelda doesn't succeed simply because of its engaging action sequences, but by its ability to pull the player into the game thanks to its large cast of interesting characters along with the world that they inhabit. For most of the games, that world is Hyrule, which has seen various incarnations since the series first debuted over 20 years ago. There have also been literally hundred upon hundreds of supporting characters who have appeared throughout the series, with many popping up in multiple games, while others make only a solo appearance in a single entry.
Since Link was created as a bit of a blank slate to better allow the player to envision themselves as the story's hero, many of the side characters along with the game's villains often end up stealing the show. So let's see how many of these characters from Hyrule you can name!
Link's archenemy
If you don't know this iconic Zelda villain than this is definitely not the quiz for you! This antagonist has appeared in almost every Zelda game to do, who often kidnaps Princess Zelda at some point in the story and seeks to attain the Triforce all to himself. He is a member of the Gerudo race, which is mostly made up of female thieves that live out in the desert. However, it is said that one male is born every hundred years.
The Twilight Princess
Though this character has only appeared in one game of the Zelda series to date, she is often regarded as Link's best sidekick, along with one of the best characters ever to appear in Zelda, period! Though she was once the Twilight Princess, she was shrunk into an Imp like form by the evil king Zant and cast out from the Twilight Realm. Therefore, she is forced to hid in Link's shadow while she travels the land of Hyrule while plotting away to retake her throne.
This grown man dreams of becoming a forest fairy
Easily one of the most annoying characters in the entire series, this wannabe fairy has actually been a huge hit with Japanese audiences, leading to a number of spin-off games being released abroad. The character is often spotted with a red balloon attached to his back, which Link must pop if he wants to converse with the character. Though he may be eccentric and annoying, this character does often point Link in the right direction by selling him maps of Hyrule and other lands.
Link's trusty horse
This character first appeared in 1998's Ocarina of Time, and she has become a staple of the series ever since. Link first encounters the young horse at Lon Lon Ranch, but the two only become close after Link is taught the horses signature song, which he often uses to call her throughout the other games in the franchise. Because the lands of Hyrule started to become so vast since the late 1990s, this character was a much-needed addition to the series, allowing Link from point A to B substantially fast than on foot.
The Princess of the Zoras
First appearing in Ocarina, this aquatic character is reported missing in the game, which results in Link having to travel into the belly of the monstrous Jabu-Jabu to rescue her. When she is first encountered, she acts comes off as a snobbish royalty, barely thanking Link and making the player carry her around until they're out of the Jabu-Jabu. But once she is rescued she actually agrees to take Link as a husband when she comes of age, and she is revealed to be one of the Seven Sagas in the game.
The evil king of the Twili race
Ganondorf has used plenty of pawns throughout the series to carry out his evil plans, and in Twilight Princess, that henchman is the evil king of the Twilight race. Ganondorf grants this character extra powers to usurp the throne from Midna and take over the Twilight Realm as his own. From there, he invades Hyrule and infects the world with a matter known as Twilight along with the monstrous Shadow Beasts that were once his own people. None of which are able to stop the Hylian Hero.
Link's talking companion in Ocarina of Time
Though this character may be a bit annoying to the player, as she constantly repeats the phrases "Hey!" "Listen!" and "Watch out!", this fairy actually happened to be the first character that verbally spoke within the entire Zelda series. After Lin visits the Great Deku Tree in Ocarina of Time, the wise tree insists that this character join Link for the remainder of his adventure. Though she is at first annoyed with Link's lack of experience, the two grow to become close companions as time goes on.
Also known as the Goddess of the Sea
Though this character has not physically appeared much throughout the Zelda series, the lore surrounding the character has been a part of the franchise for decades. This Goddess of the Sea is actually one of the Golden Goddesses that originally created the lands of Hyrule along with her two sisters. Along with being referred to as the Goddess of the Sea and being attributed with the Zoras, she is also known as the Goddess of Wisdom, and she is associated with the corresponding piece of the Triforce.
The father of Princess Ruto
This character first appears in a Link to the Past, where he gifted Link the Flippers, allowing the player to dive and swim in the water, but he was given a much bigger role in Ocarina of Time, where he tasks the player with rescuing his daughter, Princess Ruto. Unlike most members of this race which are sleek and slender, their ruler is notoriously rotund and slow moving, making for a memorable scene where the character slowly scooches out of the player's way.
The primary antagonist in Majora's Mask
These mysterious characters can often be found in the Lost Woods, usually playing a flute while dancing to the music. Though they are more commonly a race within the series, one particular member becomes the antagonist in Majora's Mask when he steals the eponymous mask from the Happy Mask Salesman and becomes possessed by its powers, using it to pull down the moon, threatening all of mankind on Termina. Because of their mischievous ways, these characters are thought to be children who became permanently lost in the Lost Woods.
This demon lord wreaks havoc upon The Surface
Appearing in the 2011 game Skyward Sword, this character serves as one of the primary antagonists of the story. The character is a lot different from many of villains in the game in that he doesn't use brute force to try and destroy Link, but he actually doesn't perceive Link as a threat at all, coming off far more flamboyant rather than ferocious. By the game's end, this villain is actually revealed to be the spirit of the Demise's sword.
A member of the Sheikah
This character has appeared in the series all the way from the original The Legend of Zelda to this year's The Breath of the Wild. She is often Zelda's personal bodyguard and a member of the mysterious Sheikha -- a covert group that has been trained down through the generation, as they are sworn to protect the Royal family of Hyrule. But instead of being overly cautious about Link, this character immediately sees that the player is just as invested in protecting Princess Zelda as she is.
Link's rival student in Skyward Sword
In Skyward Sword, this character resides in Skyloft alongside Link and Zelda and is a fellow student at the Knight's Academy. At the start of the game, this character, along with his two lackeys, kidnap Link's Loftwing, jealous of the fact that Link and Zelda have shared a special bond since childhood. When this student is confronted with the crime, he denies it at all cost. But when Link and Zelda both crash land on The Surface, this foe eventually become Link's friend when Zelda's life is put in serious danger.
A traveling salesman
Easily one of the creepiest characters in the entire series, this mysterious salesman has been the subject of numerous theories and rumors since his motives have always remained largely unknown. The characters actions are also widely unpredictable, swing anywhere from affable salesman to crazed lunatic all within a matter of moments, leaving the player constantly on edge. He has shown up in three Zelda games to date, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Ages, and Majora's Mask -- where he has his biggest part in the series.
The Spirit that resides within the Goddess Sword
Appearing in 2011's Skyward Sword, this character serves as Link's sidekick, who gives him helpful tips and his chances of surviving various odds throughout the game. The spirit was put into the Goddess Sword by Hylia to help the chosen warrior, and she is very calm and articulate -- the exact opposite of Ghirahim who appears as the antagonist in the same game. By the game's end, this character helps Link succeed in restoring the sword with all three Sacred Flames, and she falls into a deep slumber when it is transformed into the iconic Master Sword.
The dark wizard from A Link to the Past
This villain was highlighted in the third game in the series which was originally available on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Though the character was originally assumed to be another one of Ganondorf's henchman, he is actually just one of Ganondorf's many disguises, who steals the Seven Maidens near the onset of the game, which Link will later go on to undo. The antagonist amassed his power in Hyrule by befriending the king, only to overthrow his power and brainwash the soldiers of the land to do his evil bidding.
This leader lives on Death Mountain
There have been many important Gorons that have popped up throughout the Zelda series, though this character remains one of the most memorable from his quirky relationship he has with Link in Ocarina of Time. Upon meeting the hero the first time, this character is cold and unresponsive, but when Link finally plays Saria's Song, the intimidating leader can't help but break into a dance, finally letting his guard down. By the games end, this leader is also revealed to be the Sage of Fire.
Link's childhood friend from Ocarina of Time
Though Link lives in Kokiri Forest at the beginning of Ocarina, he isn't actually of the Kokiri race, leaving him constantly at odds with many of the other children in the community, specifically Mido. However, this character steal treats Link as a friend, as she is revealed to be a Sage of the Forest after Link rescues her from the Forest Temple, and she gifts Link the Fairy Ocarina at the start of the game just before he heads off on his adventure.
Zelda's alter ego
To date, this character has only appeared in one game within the main series but has certainly left a lasting impression on fans. Here, Zelda goes in disguise as a male member of the Sheika -- a group of ninja-like warriors who have been sworn to protect Hyrule's royal family for generations. Throughout Ocarina of Time, this character offers Link aid on his quest, while the hero remains unknown of the character's true identity. Fans have speculated that Zelda must have used some magic to transform into this character, due to the drastic physical differences.
Link's fears in the flesh
This mysterious character can be traced all the way back to the 1988 game Th Adventures of Link, where it appeared as one of the game's many bosses. Since then, the character has appeared in a number of Zelda games, most notably Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess, where Link is forced to face off with this shadow version of himself. This character's origins remain shrouded in mystery, with many speculating that this fight simply represents Link overcoming his own fears and doubts.
The latest incarnation of Ganondorf
Though Ganondorf most often appears as a giant man and member of the Gerudo, the primary antagonist has taken on a number of other forms throughout the series. In Breath of the Wild, which was released earlier this year, a totally new incarnation of the character pops up as the games second-last boss. This monstrous beast is a result of Ganondorf being interrupted while trying to reincarnate himself. He is found hiding at Hyrule Castle before a battle between Link and the creature ensues.
A wise old owl
One of Link's many allies throughout the series, this wise old owl first popped up in Ocarina of Time, followed by Majora's Mask and FourSword Adventure. The character offers Link helpful hints, and its likeness is even used as a saving point in Majora's Mask. The character is later revealed to be the reincarnation of Rauru, an Ancient Sage who helped construct the Temple of Time. It is ultimately Rauru who named Link the "Hero of Time" in the 1998 game.
A mini boss throughout Twilight Princess
This character pops up multiple times in Twilight Princess, facing off against Link on the Great Bridge of Hylia, the Bridge of Eldin, and again in the courtyards of Hyrule Castle. But despite being defeated on multiple occasions, this is one of the few series bosses who actually survives being beaten by Link, as shown when the character appears in a more friendly capacity at the games end, hinting that he may have simply been brainwashed by Ganondorf or Zant at the start of the story.
Also known as Dazel (and Zelda)
This character first appeared in the 2003 game Windwaker, where she was revealed to be the fearless leader of a group of pirates who helps Link travel to the Forsaken Fortress. Though the two characters are at first at odds with one another, Link is eventually able to win over this characters trust, and she even participates in the games final battle against Ganondorf, firing Light Arrows at the dark lord while Link engages in a duel. She is also revealed to be a descendant of the Princess Zelda.
A greedy, self-center sailor from Phantom Hourglass
One of the most important characters in Phantom Hourglass, this sailor helps Link immensely throughout his quest. Though he at first comes off as a self-absorbed sailor with little interest in anything but acquiring treasure for himself, the character grows braver and more sympathetic as the quest continues, to the point where he's even willing to sacrifices himself during the games final battle in an attempt to save Link. Since the character's boat is named after himself, can you remember the name of this dynamic seafarer?
The leaders of the Fairy race
These creatures are the leaders of the fairy race, who have appeared in nearly every game of the main series, starting with the original 1987 game. They are often found in fountains located outside of the game's dungeons, as they offer the player increased health and magic before Link is forced to go into battle. There are often multiple incarnations of these characters in each game, who are always depicted as female, with varying color schemes so they player can tell them apart.
The bitter farmhand at Lon Lon Ranch
Likely based on the character of Luigi from the Super Mario Bros. series, this character first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, where he works as a farmhand at the Lon Lon Ranch. The character was often in a sour mood thanks to his lazy brother, who took credit for most of the work. Therefore, when Ganondorf invades Hyrule, this character is given control of Lon Lon Ranch, naming it after himself and working his daughter, Malon, into the ground.
A merchant dressed as a rabbit
First appearing in 2013's A Link Between Worlds, this character where's a hood the resembles a giant rabbit, and can be found manning his own shop where Link buys items he needs to complete the game. The character is introduced when he saves Link's life toward the start of the game, brining the player back to his house, where Link allows this character to stay at his house and set up shop. The character has since appeared in the spin off games Hyrule Warrior and Hyrule Warriors Legends.
A character and an item in Twilight Princess
This character is extremely helpful in the 2006 entry in the series, Twilight Princess, as she helps the player warp back to the entrance of almost every dungeon throughout the game. She is often found stuck in a pot somewhere at the start of the dungeon, and can be carried around by the player until she is needed. She has a son, that is represented as simply a floating head with wings on the side, which can also help the player warp in and out of the dungeon.
The primary antagonist in The Minish Cap
This recurring antagonist first popped up in the 2002 installment titled Four Swords. The character has an extreme lust for power, and he seeks to make the Princess Zelda his bride throughout the seres. The characters powers are quite staggering, as he can transformer into other people, turn people into stone, and summon monster at will. The character is of the Minish race, and he made his last appearance in The Minish Cap, where his background was more thoroughly explored.
A character and a dungeon
This character has appeared in Ocarina of Time and later in Oracle of Ages, and is a giant fish that is worshipped by the Zoras in both games. in Ocarina, Link must travel into the belly of this character in order to rescue Princess Ruto, the heir to the Zora throne. When Zora's Domain is frozen over later in the game, this character is also thought to become totally encased in ice. In Oracle of Ages, the character is seen both as a child and adult, and serves as yet another dungeon for Link to venture though.
The head of the Royal Family of Hyrule
The father of Princess Zelda, this character has had many incarnations throughout the series, starting with his appearance in the 1988 game The Adventure of Link. Like Link, the character is of the Hylian race and he serves as the ruler of the lands of Hyrule. In Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, the character is said to have once contained all three pieces of the Triforce. But once the ancient artifact was scattered, only the Triforce of Courage was concealed within the king's grave.
A giant Goron
Even for a Goron, this character is especially large, causing him to usually have to settle somewhere outside of the Goron Village, as he can often be found atop Death Mountain. In Ocarina of Time, he is characterized as an expert blacksmith, who is able to reforge the Broken Goron Sword during one of the game's many side quests. However, before he can begin the repairs, Link must retrieve him the World's Finest Eye Drops to ease his irritated eyes.
The peculiar gravekeeper
These intimidating character has appeared in various games in the series, starting with Ocarina of Time, where he serves as the town's gravekeeper and resides in a hut within the graveyard. Though the character may look like a foe, he is actually just an average worker who also hosts the Heart-Pouding Gravedigging Tour, which rewards the player with various items, including a Piece of Heart. However, when Link returns to the grave as an adult, he discovers that the character has passed away and has been given a grave of his own.
This character is all business, so you best not get in his way
The character first popped up in the 2000 game Majora's Mask, where he is seen delivering mail throughout Clock Town in Termina ever single day. he works at lightening speed, always trying to stay on schedule, and isn't one to make lengthy conversation with the player. In fact, as the Moon continues to bear down and threaten the existence of mankind, this character actually works faster and faster to deliver the mail, taking place in various side quests throughout the game.