Princess Zelda history

“I had a dream… In the dream, black clouds appeared over the land of Hyrule… But suddenly, a ray of light shot out from the forest, opened the clouds and illuminated the land… The light turned into a figure holding a glowing green stone, followed by a fairy… I know this is a prophecy that someone would come from the forest… Yes, I thought you might be him… Oh, I’m sorry! I got carried away with my story and didn’t introduce myself properly! I’m Zelda, Princess of Hyrule.”

— Princess Zelda
Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, better known simply as Princess Zelda (ゼルダ姫 Zeruda-hime?, ZELDA) is the name of several female members of the Royal Family of Hyrule, all of whom play a pivotal role in the series. Although each of them is the titular character of the Legend of Zelda series, the real protagonist is Link from each respective era.

Just as there are multiple Links, there are also multiple Zeldas throughout the series. Generally similar in age to Link of her era, Zelda is often portrayed as a child, but has been portrayed as a teenager or young adult on four occasions: in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

Personality
Since most of the Zeldas that appear in the games are different incarnations, they each have slightly different personalities. However, each Zelda is portrayed as a kind and benevolent person.

As the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom, she is too wise for her age and smart enough to rule her people. She always wants to do what is right for others and is extremely selfless. Although she is not always able to stand up for herself or others on her own, she does not give up and tries to help her allies when they need her help. She is also able to forgive her former enemies, even when they have hurt her in some way. She is, however, extremely loyal to those she cares about (such as Link) and does not tolerate them getting hurt.

Physical appearance
Zelda is portrayed as a beautiful young woman, usually with blonde hair. In Twilight Princess however (and therefore in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, as well as in Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, in which her appearance is based onTwilight Princess), she is portrayed as a brunette. She also has light brown hair in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (although she is depicted as being blonde in the game’s artwork), and red hair in The Adventure of Link. She always wears jewelry, such as ornate earrings, as well as a royal dress in white, pink, lavender, or another pale color (red in The Adventure of Link), usually bearing the royal family crest.

Skills
Associated with the Goddess Nayru and the Triforce of Wisdom, Zelda possesses keen perception and common sense, though this doesn’t always help her avoid capture. Most Zelda incarnations are additionally endowed with innate psychic or magical powers, such as telepathy and precognition. Though her range of abilities has yet to be revealed, Zelda has demonstrated the ability to cast spells, generate or nullify barriers and seals, and fire a bow. The source of most of these natural mystical powers could be explained by the presence of the Light Force, a power that is passed down through the Royal Family of Hyrule for generations. In Twilight Princess, Zelda wields a sword, although it is unknown if she actually possesses combat skills. Zelda’s alter egos also seem to have specialized abilities of their own.

apparitions
Spoiler Warning: Plot and/or ending details to follow:
princess zelda
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princess zelda
Princess Zelda art in Twilight Princess
Princess Zelda art in Twilight Princess
First Appearance The Legend of Zelda (1987)
Appears in The Legend of Zelda
The Adventure of Link
A Link to the Past
Ocarina of Time
Majora’s Mask
Oracle of Ages
Oracle of Seasons
Four Swords
The Wind Waker
Four Swords Adventures
The Minish Cap
Twilight Princess
Spirit Tracks
Skyward Sword
A Link Between Worlds
Title(s) Princess of Hyrule
Women
Hyrule Homeland
(Skyward Sword)
The sky
Hometown Hyrule Castle
(Skyward Sword)
Celestia
Relatives (The Adventure of Link)
King of Hyrule (father)
Prince of Hyrule (brother)
(A Link to the Past)
King of Hyrule (father)
(Ocarina of Time)
King of Hyrule (father)
(The Wind Waker)
Spoilers:
Spoilers:
(The Minish Cap)
King Daltus (father)
King Gustaf (ancestor)
(Spirit Tracks)
Spoilers:
(Skyward Sword)
Gaepora (father)
(A Link Between Worlds)
Princess Hilda (Lorule’s counterpart)
Hylian race
Alternative Form(s) (Ocarina of Time)
Spoilers:
(The Wind Waker)
Spoilers:
(Spirit Tracks)
Spoilers:
Alternate form of (Skyward Sword)
Spoilers:
Age Approximately 10-19 (varies between games)
Affiliation Royal Family of Hyrule
(A Link to the Past)
Spoilers:
(Ocarina of Time)
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(Four Swords Adventures)
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Zelda has appeared in almost every Legend of Zelda game with varying degrees of importance. The only exception to the date has been The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, where a brief reference is made to her, but she doesn’t make an actual appearance. According to The Adventure of Link, every princess in Hyrule has been called Zelda since the first Princess Zelda. This however, according to The Hyrule Historia, only covers Zelda in the original game, as the other incarnations of Zelda are chronologically from before the tragedy.

The Legend of Zelda
Zelda art in The Legend of Zelda
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in The Legend of Zelda is chronologically the fourth Zelda in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

Zelda is kidnapped by Ganon, who imprisons her in his lair on Death Mountain. Before she was kidnapped, she split the Triforce of Wisdom into eight fragments and scattered them across Hyrule to hide them from Ganon and prevent him from gaining her power. She then sent her nanny Impa in search of a hero who could reassemble the Triforce of Wisdom and be brave and powerful enough to defeat Ganon and rescue her. Zelda is only seen in the game after Ganon is defeated.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Art of Zelda sleeping in the Castle of the North.

As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in The Adventure of Link is chronologically the third Zelda in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

The sequel to The Legend of Zelda is based on the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty. Zelda in this game is not the same as in the first game, but a distant ancestor. The whereabouts of Zelda from the first game is unknown. Long ago, the power of the Triforce had belonged to one man, a great King of Hyrule. However, before his death, he split the artifact and concealed the part called the Triforce of Courage; the heir to the throne could inherit only the others.

Before his death, the King had passed a secret on to his daughter Princess Zelda (it is revealed in Hyrule Historia that he gave her the Triforce of Wisdom). Whatever the secret, the Princess refused to reveal it, even when her brother and one of her advisers, a Mage, threatened her. In his wrath, the Mage placed a powerful curse to put the Princess to sleep, despite the new King’s objections. Efforts to cast the curse caused the Mage himself to drop dead after casting the spell, so he could not be convinced to undo it. it. Devastated, the grieving brother locked his sister in a tower at Castle North, and decreed that every woman born into the royal family would henceforth be called Zelda, in memory of the tragedy. Link, the game’s hero, eventually retrieves the lost part of the Triforce and awakens this Zelda from her eternal slumber. She then thanks Link, as well as calling him a “true hero” for saving Hyrule. The curtains later come down as Link and Zelda appear to embrace.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Princess Zelda in A Link to the PastArtwork of Zelda from A Link to the Past
As written in the Hyrule Historia, the Zelda in A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening, Oracle of Seasons, and Oracle of Ages is chronologically the first Zelda in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

Princess Zelda is one of the Seven Maidens descended from the sages who sealed Ganon away during the Imprisonment War. At the start of the game, she is imprisoned in Hyrule Castle’s dungeon by Agahnim, who plans to sacrifice her along with the other Six Maidens in order to break the seal between the World of Light and the World of Darkness. This would free Agahnim’s alter ego, Ganon, from the World of Trev.as and allow him to wreak havoc on Hyrule. Zelda telepathically asks for help, contacting Link and his Uncle at their homes.

Link rescues Zelda and takes her to Sanctuary, where she remains under the Loyal Sage’s protection. After Link retrieves the Master Sword from the Lost Grove, Zelda is kidnapped by Agahnim’s henchmen and sent to the World of Darkness in her final ritual, breaking the seal. She is not seen again until she is rescued by Link at Turtle Rock. Saving her and the other six maidens opens the entrance to Ganon’s Tower, the game’s final dungeon. Zelda is last seen together with her revived father in the closing credits scenes. It was later hinted at in the Oracle and A Link Between Worlds games that this Zelda became intimate with Link later on.

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Stunned after being shipwrecked, Link wakes up in Marin and Tarin’s house. Seeing Marin, he initially mistakes her for Zelda. The princess is not mentioned or seen in the game again.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Art of Princess Zelda as a young girl in Ocarina of Time
As written in the Hyrule Historia, the Zelda in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask is chronologically the fourth Zelda in the Unified Timeline and the first Zelda (through Link’s flashback) in the Children’s Timeline. She is also technically responsible for the split in the timeline.

Zelda is the daughter of the King of Hyrule, and eventually the Seventh Sage and wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom. She is also the leader of the sages. The heir to the royal family, she is of the Hylian race with blonde hair and blue eyes. She starts the game as a young girl around 10-12 years old who is gifted with psychic abilities. In a dream of symbolic importance, she senses Ganondorf’s betrayal and predicts Link’s arrival before both events occur. When Link first meets her in the courtyard of Hyrule Castle, she sends him on a quest to collect the three Spirit Stones and protect the Triforce from Ganondorf. When Ganondorf attacks Hyrule Castle, Zelda and her nanny Impa flee the castle on horseback. The Princess throws the Ocarina of Time into the moat of Hyrule Castle City for Link to retrieve. When Link touches the Ocarina, Zelda appears before him in a vision and teaches him the “Song of Time”, the final key to entering the Holy Realm.

Art of Princess Zelda as an adult in Ocarina of Time
When Link awakens from his seven-year slumber in the Holy Kingdom, he finds Zelda, disguised as a young man close to his own age named Sheik, who claims to be a survivor of the Sheikah tribe. Afterwards, Sheik gives Link clues to the locations of the various temples, and teaches him special songs that allow him to teleport to specific points near those temples. After the guardian of the last temple is defeated, Zelda risks her life by revealing his identity and her position as the Seventh Sage. She informs Link that they are both holders of Triforce pieces and gives him the Arrows of Light, but moments later is captured by Ganondorf and imprisoned in a pink crystal in his castle. After Ganondorf’s defeat, she is released and helps Link escape the collapsing fortress. She then helps Link defeat Ganon, trapping him with her magic while Link delivers the final blow. She and the other sages then seal Ganon away, without taking his piece of the Triforce. After Hyrule is safe, Zelda uses the Ocarina of Time to send Link back to the past, allowing him to regain his lost seven years. This however, proves to be a mistake (like most of her other actions throughout the game), as Link later lived a life of regret and became the Hero’s Shadow due to Zelda’s actions. However, he helps (as the hero’s shadow) train his descendant (Link in Twilight Princess), as well as moving on after alleviating his regrets.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask
“This song reminds me of us.”
— Princess Zelda
When Link retrieves the Skull Kid’s Ocarina of Time, he is reminded of several memories about his departure from Hyrule. In a flashback, the young princess Zelda of Ocarina of Time is seen saying goodbye to Link. She hands him the Ocarina of Time to help her on her journey, and teaches him the “Song of Time” again, which becomes vital to the game’s completion. Zelda no longer makes an appearance.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
Princess Zelda in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of SeasonsArt of Princess Zelda in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
This Zelda is stated to be the same Zelda from A Link to the Past as written in the Hyrule Historia. Impa tells Link that she was sent by Zelda to protect Din, the Oracle of Seasons, and Nayru, the Oracle of Ages, and to escort them back to Hyrule. Zelda will only appear in a Linked Game. She is briefly captured, either by the Great Moblin or by Vire, depending on which game is played, but Linkrescues. She then remains safely with Impa for a while. Toward the end of the game, she is annoyed to see the citizens troubled by the evil powers that pervade the land and speaks to them, encouraging them not to give up hope. While she is away from home, the Twinrova kidnap her as part of a plan to revive Ganon, in an attempt to sacrifice her to ignite the Flame of Despair. Link saves her by defeating the Twinrova, who sacrifice their own bodies in place of Zelda. After Link defeats a mindless Ganon, Zelda kisses him on the cheek in gratitude.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
Princess Zelda’s art in Four Swords
As written in the Hyrule Historia, the Zelda in Four Swordse is chronologically the third Zelda in the Unified Timeline.

At the start of the game, Zelda goes to the Fourfold Sword Sanctuary with her childhood friend Link to check the seal containing the Wind Mage Vaati. However, the seal had weakened, and Vaati emerges and kidnaps Zelda in order to make her his bride. The four Links eventually save Zelda and seal Vaati away again.

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Princess Zelda’s art in The Wind Waker
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Tetra (as Zelda) is chronologically the first Zelda in the Adult Timeline.

Near the beginning of The Wind Waker, Link saves a young pirate named Tetra after King Helmaroc drops her in the nearby forest on Home Island. After the bird kidnaps Link’s sister Aryll, Tetra and her pirates take Link to the Abandoned Fortress to rescue Aryll. During the search for the Pearl of Nayru, Link meets with Tetra on Taura Island, where he steals the bombs from her pirate ship. Link meets Tetra one last time, at the Abandoned Fortress, where she saves her sister. She then tries to save Link during his confrontation with Ganondorf. Her blows are easily dodged and Ganondorf counterattacks, grabbing Tetra by the neck. Before he can do anything to her, his Triforce rings out, showing him that he has finally found Princess Zelda.

At that moment, the Quill Rites and Prince Komali flew through the open windows, grabbed Link and Tetra, and flew away. Link then takes Tetra to ancient Hyrule under the Great Sea, where the King, Daphnes Hyrule Nohansen, reveals that she is the last descendant of the Royal Family. She then receives the other half of the Triforce of Wisdom, revealing her true identity as Princess Zelda. She hides in Hyrule while Link embarks on another mission. Once Link has completed this quest, Zelda is kidnapped by Ganondorf, who takes her to his tower. Link enters the castle, defeats the Puppet Ganon, and faces Ganondorf himself in a final battle. Zelda helps Link during the battle, shooting Arrows of Light at his enemy. After defeating Ganondorf, Link and Zelda, once again in the form of Tetra, return to the Great Sea and embark on a new adventure together, in search of a land to call home.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Princess Zelda in Four Swords Adventures
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in Four Swords Adventures is chronologically the third Zelda in the Children’s Timeline.

Concerned about Vaati’s seal, Zelda goes with six other mystic maidens to check out the Quadruple Sword Sanctuary, and Link accompanies her. However, something goes terribly wrong, and a dark version of Link attacks them. Link is forced to take the Quadruple Sword to fight Shadow Link, and Vaati escapes. The girls are kidnapped, and the Links come to their rescue. Zelda helps them defeat Shadow Link, and after Vaati is dispatched, the five quickly flee the crumbling Tower of Winds. In the end, the Links face Ganon, who was behind the entire catastrophe, and Zelda helps them deliver the final blow.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Princess Zelda’s art in The Minish Cap
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in The Minish Cap is chronologically the second Zelda in the Unified Timeline.

Princess Zelda is the daughter of King Daltus of Hyrule. Before the events of the game, she and Link attended Funday School.

At the beginning of the story, she takes Link, who she has been friends with since she was a child, to the Picori Festival in Hyrule City. During the ceremony at the end of the Picori Festival Tournament, she is turned to stone by the winner, Vaati. Vaati is an evil mage in search of the legendary Force of Light, and knowing Zelda has mystical powers, he wants to keep her out of his way. Later, discovering that her power is actually the Force of Light, Vaati invades Hyrule Castle and kidnaps the petrified Princess, planning to sacrifice her and become a god. Link, after reforging the Four Sword, attacks the castle and faces Vaati. After defeating the evil mage, Link uses the power of the Four Sword to restore Zelda to normal. Zelda then uses the power of the HatMagic and Light Force to return Hyrule to its natural state. The overflowing power of life caused the Magic Cap to be destroyed. Ezlo then claims that Zelda’s kindness, as well as the power of the Minish Beanie (or the Light Force, in the Japanese version of the game) created a miracle. With the time to say goodbye approaching, Zelda and Link see Ezlo return to the Minish World.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Princess Zelda in Twilight Princess
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in Twilight Princess is chronologically the second Zelda in the Children’s Timeline.

Zelda was the young matriarch of Hyrule until the invasion of Zant, the Twilight King, to whom she surrendered in order to prevent the death of her people. She is subsequently imprisoned within a tower in Hyrule Castle, although unlike her people, she has not become a spirit under the Twilight’s influence (possibly due to her implied possession of the Triforce of Wisdom). It is here that she meets Link, transformed into a wolf by the Twilight’s power. When Link returns to the castle, she expends all of her power, even losing her physical form, in order to save Midna from death. She later regains her body only to be possessed by Ganondorf, but her influence is extracted from her body by Midna with the power of the Fused Shadows. Ganondorf tries again to end Zelda’s life, but she is protected by the Light Spirits of Hyrule, who grant her the magical Arrows of Light so she can aid Link in his final battle. The last time she is seen in the game is when she and Link say goodbye to Midna in the Mirror of Twilight. It is possible, however, that Link went to Hyrule Castle to meet up with Zelda again as suggested during the late game when Link leaves Ordon Village and the Castle is shown again. This is also the only game where she appears as a brunette instead of a blonde. Unlike the other games, Zelda’s interaction with Link was quite limited in this game.

According to Zelda’s letter in the official Twilight Princess TCG, she would become the Queen of Hyrule. Zant’s invasion took place a few days before her coronation, thus preventing it from occurring. The non-canon Super Smash Bros. Brawl, who uses Zelda in her Twilight Princess form, refers to her as the Queen of Hyrule — implying that once Link undid Twilight, the coronation went as planned.

The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass

Zelda in the prologue to Phantom Hourglass.

Although Princess Zelda does not make a physical appearance in the game, she is seen as Tetra with her original name and appearance. Zelda is also shown with her classic princess appearance in the prologue. At some points in the game, the pirates call Tetra “Princess Zelda”, which annoys her greatly.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Princess Zelda art in Spirit Tracks
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in Spirit Tracks is chronologically the second Zelda in the Adult Timeline.

As revealed in the game’s story, Tetra and Link founded New Hyrule and befriended the Lokomo guardian of the Tower of Spirits, Anjean. Spirit Tracks’ Zelda, Princess of New Hyrule, is Tetra’s granddaughter. The game marks the first time a Zelda has been playable in a canon Zelda game.

When bestowing on Link the title of Royal Engineer during his Graduation Ceremony, Zelda secretly gives him a note, warning him of the suspicious Chancellor Cole and instructing Link to take a hidden path and meet with her in secret. Zelda asks Link to help her investigate the mystery of the Spirit Rails’ disappearance, implying that Link must help her escape the castle. She then presents Link with a change of clothing, the Recruit’s Uniform, which will help Link blend in with the similarly dressed guards as they escape the castle. Upon exiting the castle, Link and Zelda enlist the help of Alfonzo, the Master Engineer and Link’s mentor, to take them to the Tower of Spirits. However, the tracks begin to disappear under their train before they witness the tower levels being pulled apart and then they are stopped by Chancellor Cole and Byrne. Byrne easily defeats Link and Alfonzo, while Cole uses his magic to force Zelda’s spirit out of her body.

Art of Zelda possessing a Wraith
With only Link being able to see her, Zelda helps him obtain a sword before the two can make their way to the Tower of Spirits, where Anjean tells them that Zelda’s body contains a holy power and that Cole has it. picked it up to use it as a vessel for the Demon King Malladus. Learning that she can inhabit Specters to help Link, Zelda helps him restore the tracks and the Tower of Spirits to their former glory to keep Malladus imprisoned. However, Cole manages to free his master by placing him in Zelda’s body. Using a Specter, Zelda helps Link defeat Cole.and to force Malladus out of his body. With Byrne imprisoning Malladus, Zelda manages to return to her body and helps Link destroy the Demon King when he enters Cole’s body. Soon after, Zelda joins Link in saying goodbye to the Lokomos.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Zelda art in Skyward Sword
As written in the Hyrule Historia, the Zelda in Skyward Sword is chronologically the first Zelda in the Unified Timeline.

Unlike her previous counterparts, Zelda does not bear the title of princess. She resides in Celestia, where she attends the same boarding school as Link and rides a blue Loftwing. A childhood friend of Link’s and the object of affection of Link’s rival Groose, Zelda was confirmed to be Link’s love interest throughout the game, as she is shown to be very cheerful when being around him and quite nervous when she is with him. alone with him, like when she shyly asked him to soar through the skies together, like a date. Link also responds to these feelings. Around the start of the game, she is thrown off her Loftwing by a tornado caused by Ghirahim. Before she is captured, however, she is caught by Impa and taken on a journey to be purified at the sources of the Temple of Contemplation and the Temple of Earth. Zelda is eventually taken to the Temple of Time, where she manages to give the Harp of the Goddess to Link before she and Impa enter a Portal of Time to escape Ghirahim.

Only after Link finds a second Time Portal is it revealed that Zelda is the reincarnation of Hylia. She also confesses to manipulating Link’s feelings for her (as Hylia) so that he could fulfill her destiny, an act she greatly regrets. In order to keep Demise sealed, Zelda imprisons herself in a crystal and falls into a sleep state, asking Link to wake her up when her mission is complete.

After Link desires Demise’s destruction with the Triforce, Zelda awakens from her slumber, despite her reunion with Link, Groose, and the Ancient One is interrupted when Ghirahim kidnaps her. He takes Zelda through the remaining Portal of Time to resurrect Demise in the past, performing a ritual on Zelda that will allow the Imprisoned to devour her life force. Although Zelda’s life force is taken by Demise, Link manages to defeat the demon and return Zelda’s soul to her body. Soon after, Zelda is saddened to learn that Impa intends to remain in the past to protect the Master Sword, discovering that Impa had aged protecting the Sealed Lands in her timeline, having become the Ancient One. Soon after, Zelda decides to live on the surface, asking Link what he’s going to do. Based on her reaction with a smile, and how both of her Loftwings flew away by themselves, it is implied that Link decided to live on the surface with Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Princess Zelda’s art in A Link Between Worlds
As written in the Hyrule Historia, Zelda in A Link Between Worlds is chronologically the second Zelda in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

Zelda is the princess of Hyrule. In Link’s dream, he sees Princess Zelda being carried away by a pig-shaped creature. Later, Zelda meets with Link and she is shocked to hear the news about the latest happenings. She fears that the evil of the past has reawakened and sends Link to Kakariko Village to see Sahasrahla. Before leaving, she hands him a special amulet. Yuga later turns Zelda into a painting and takes her to Lorule. He then uses her painting and those of the Seven Sages to revive Ganon. After Link rescues all the sages, Zelda gives Link the Arrows of Light needed to defeat Yuga, now fused with Ganon. After the fight, Zelda tells Princess Hilda that she wishes it didn’t have to be this way. She and Link then use the Triforce of Hyrule to restore the Triforce of Lorule.

Spoiler Warning: Spoilers end here.

Non-Canonical Appearances
Non-Canonical Information Notice: This article or section contains non-canonical information that is not considered an official part of the Legend of Zelda series and should not be considered part of the overall story.

While information is only considered Canon if it comes from games or manuals (when in conflict, the games themselves are the accepted source) or occasionally other Nintendo materials, there are a number of other Zelda stories officially licensed by Nintendo. Many of these explore the relationship with Link in greater depth than in the games.

The Legend of Zelda: Mystical Seed of Courage
Princess Zelda was going to appear in the Mystical Seed of Courage game, which was eventually cancelled. In the game, she would be responsible for managing the four seasons of Hyrule, in a role similar to Din in Oracle of Seasons. She would be kidnapped by Ganon, which, coupled with the disappearance of the Scepter of Seasons, would cause the stations of Hyrule to spiral out of control.

CD-i gamesZelda appeared in three games made by third parties for the Phillips CD-i system. In Link: The Faces of Evil, she was kidnapped by Ganon and had to be rescued. In Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon and Zelda’s Adventure, Princess Zelda was the main protagonist, as the plot in both games involves the kidnapping of Link. These games are generally criticized by fans, though they are worthy of attention, as it was the first time that Zelda was a playable character in any game in the series.

Game & Watch: Zelda
According to the manual, Princess Zelda is Link’s “love” who is kidnapped and imprisoned by Eight Dragons. Link needs to gather eight pieces of the Triforce and kill all eight dragons in order to free her.

Due to the limitations of the LCD screen, there is no final scene. When the eighth dragon is defeated, Princess Zelda breaks out of her prison and goes to Link (as she does in The Adventure of Link) as if to hug him, but the animation ends just before they meet, leaving the end result to the player’s imagination.

Super Smash Bros. melee
Princess Zelda (Super Smash Bros. Melee).png
Zelda appears as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee (the 2001 sequel to Super Smash Bros.), in its adult incarnation of Ocarina of Time. She debuted as Sheik, and it was later revealed that this was one of the character’s two forms. Zelda is one of the most diverse characters in the entire game, as she is actually two characters in one, each with their own unique moves, attacks, and fighting style. At any time during the game, she can change shape to take full advantage of her abilities. This unique gameplay mechanic makes her one of the most anticipated characters during the game’s pre-launch hype.

Initially, the player takes control as Zelda, although it is possible to start a round as Sheik by holding down the A button after selecting a stage until the round begins. Zelda is a bit slow, but she’s quite graceful and agile, and her special attacks, if they connect, are extremely powerful. Her aerial movements and dodging abilities, as well as the high priority of her attacks and strong impacts, make her an ideal character for a defensive attack. She was built especially to be a defensive attack character, but her moves leave her too open if timed incorrectly, and if attacked, her gracefulness can backfire on her. It has low resistance and is easily thrown.

Zelda’s specials are also based on this defensive style of play. Din’s Fire is a ranged attack that allows the player to control a flame, which explodes when released. Nayru’s Love is a crystal shield that reflects projectiles and damages nearby enemies and knocks them away. The Wind of Farore is Zelda’s third leap, a teleport move that can be directed and has a huge range, but leaves her a little vulnerable. If Zelda invokes teleportation by physically touching an enemy character, the character will take damage, but this is very difficult to do in practice. Fans may remember that her three magic attacks are the same as Link acquires in Ocarina of Time, albeit with very different applications. Instead of a fourth attack, her final command is to transform into Sheik.

As Sheik, the character is completely different. Sheik is not only extremely fast, but also easy to control, making her a very popular character in both casual circles and tournaments. Her close-quarters attacks are possibly the fastest and easiest to chain together than any other character, with her martial arts training allowing for fluid and quick ninja attacks. Sheik is at her best when she uses her speed and impulse attacks for a hit-and-run evasive offense. Its needle-throwing attack is extremely flexible and can be used to initiate combos or keep enemies at bay. Her whip, while situational, is an excellent way to sabotage an opponent’s strategy by interrupting their movements. Its Deku Nut Hide move is shorter than Wind of Farore, but it leaves Sheik much less open to attacks, and it’s easier to use as an attack as well.

The instruction manual and in-game trophies refer to Sheik as a female; It is also interesting to note that Sheik’s poses and her body shape in Super Smash Bros. Melee are considerably more feminine than those in Ocarina of Time. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Zelda and Sheik are voiced by Jun Mizusawa.

Super Smash Bros. brawl

Princess Zelda in Brawl.

Although Zelda’s design is now based on her appearance in Twilight Princess, she retains her Sheik transformation. Like Sheik, game director Masahiro Sakurai claims his updated character design is based onin a design project made in the early draft stages of Twilight Princess. This version of the Sheik now carries a small blade at her waist and a long braid in her back, tied in a similar style to her Princess Zelda form. Interestingly, Sheik’s blonde hair remains, while Princess Zelda has Twilight Princess’ light brown hair. As Nintendo established through the Sheik trophy in Super Smash Bros. Melee that Sheik’s disguise was a magical attire change, the magic could probably explain the hair color as well.

The changes to Zelda’s movement in this game were mostly balance issues. Essentially, Zelda has been empowered, with many of her moves becoming more powerful and easier to perform. This can be seen in Din’s Fire, which is substantially more powerful than in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and in several of Zelda’s Smash Attacks, which literally “stop time” for a moment before sending the opponent flying off-screen. She retains her incredibly powerful “Lightning Kick” from Super Smash Bros. Melee. Sheik’s attacks, meanwhile, have been made weaker, albeit faster.

Zelda using her Final Smash, the Arrow of Light

Zelda and Sheik have the same Final Smash: the Arrow of Light. The Arrow of Light is a powerful attack that inflicts heavy damage in a straight line from either Zelda or Sheik. When Zelda uses the attack, it sends anyone she hits much higher than Sheik’s version.

Supposedly, the development team for Super Smash Bros. Brawl was originally going to create a Toon Zelda/Toon Sheik character as well, but the idea was dropped.

In the game’s story mode, “The Subspace Emissary”, Zelda is watching a dispute between Mario and Kirby alongside Princess Peach. When the flying battle boat Halberda appears over the stadium, the two princesses join Mario and Kirby in fighting the enemies that emerge from it. After the fight, Mario is blown out of the stadium, and Zelda and Peach are captured by Petey Piranha, one of Mario’s enemies. Kirby fights Petey to rescue the princesses, but can only save one of them (the player can choose which one). The other princess is turned into a trophy by Wario, and Kirby escapes with the rescued princess, while the entire stadium is pulled into Subspace by a Subspace Bomb.

The rescued princess travels alongside Kirby until she is attacked and turned into a trophy by Bowser, who uses a swarm of Shadow Bugs to create a clone of the princess. If the princess is Zelda, the clone will attempt to attack Link and Yoshi, but is intercepted and destroyed by Mario and Pit, Kid Icarus’ hero. Link notices the battle just in time to see what appears to be Zelda’s trophy dissolve, and attacks Mario and Pit in a fit of rage.

Zelda and Peach are taken to the Halberda, but are rescued when Solid Snake, the protagonist of Metal Gear, infiltrates the boat and defeats another pair of clones. Snake insists that the princesses stay where they are, but Peach and Zelda (who dons her Sheik guise for the first time in the game, but can transform back into Zelda during the level) instead make their way to the upper deck. from the boat, which was under attack by Fox McCloud, the protagonist of Star Fox. When Peach gets caught in the crossfire, Sheik teleports into the air and directly attacks Fox’s Arwing, forcing him to eject. Peach stops them before they can fight. When Snake and the Pokémon Lucario join them, a group of Mr. Game & Watch are forcibly ejected by Meta-Knight, who had infiltrated the Halberd with Lucario to take his boat back. Mr. Game & Watch merge into boss Duon, who is defeated by the heroes. Duon transforms into a single Mr. Game & Watch, who befriends Peach. The various heroes later band together to launch an attack against the Subspace Realm, where all the attacks originated.

Zelda is depicted on four stickers. Two of them are titled “Young Zelda”, while the other two are simply titled “Zelda”. The first two depict Zelda’s artwork as a child from Ocarina of Time and The Minish Cap, and provide a +20 bonus to electrical attacks and a +16 bonus to hit resistance, respectively. The latter can only be used by Link, Toon Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf. The two stickers titled “Zelda” depict artwork of Zelda from A Link to the Past and her adult form from Ocarina of Time. The former grants a +27 bonus to magic attacks, and like all other stickers that grant bonuses to magic attacks, it can only be used by Zelda and Peach. The second grants a +18 bonus to flame resistance and can only be used by Link, Toon Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
Zelda (SSB 3DS & Wii U).png
Princess Zelda returns as a playable character in the fourth game in the Super Smas seriesh Bros. Zelda’s appearance is again based on her Twilight Princess design. She can no longer transform into Sheik, as she is a separate character now. Her move set and Final Smash is largely the same as in Brawl. However, her ability to transform is replaced by Phantom Slash, where she summons a Phantom Knight from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks to block enemy attacks and projectiles.

Hyrule Warriors
Hyrule Warriors – Zelda Artwork.png
Princess Zelda appears in the Hyrule Warriors spinoff as a playable character. She wields her Rapier, and can also use the Bow of Light and the Wand of Winds. Her appearances from Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Skyward Sword are alternate outfits available through downloadable content. Other downloadable content gives her new colors for her default appearance to resemble Hilda from A Link Between Worlds and an artwork of her incarnation from A Link to the Past to unlock, a costume that makes her look like Ilia and the Scepter of Domain are added for her to use.

The story begins with Zelda awakening from a recurring nightmare, which she and Impa believe is a sign of hard times ahead. While visiting Hyrule Castle’s training barracks, she sees a particularly talented recruit who appears to be different from the others—however, her attention is quickly drawn to a massive army of monsters approaching the castle. Zelda personally leads the defense of her castle, soon joined by Impa and Link, the earlier recruit who has just been revealed to be the reincarnation of the legendary hero, having possession of the Triforce of Courage. With the battle seemingly under control, Zelda returns to Hyrule Castle to coordinate her forces, but ends up being ambushed by Wizzro, while her army was distracted like King Dodongo.

However, Zelda manages to escape Wizzro, disguising herself as Sheik and joining his army. She eventually reveals herself to her allies after defeating Wizzro (who had disguised himself as Zelda) in the Water Temple of an alternate-dimensional Hyrule, returning the leadership of the Hyrulean forces against Cia – and later against Ganondorf.

The Legend of Zelda animated series
“I’m sorry, princess!”
— Link

Princess Zelda in The Legend of Zelda Animated Series

An animated series based on Legend of Zelda aired on Fridays from 1989 to 1990 as part of The Super Mario Bros. DiC Super Show. The series loosely followed the NES Zelda games, mixing settings and characters from them with original creations. Zelda is portrayed as a warrior princess who wears a more comfortable and practical attire unlike her appearances in the games. In addition to ruling the realm part-time for her father, King Harkinian, she often accompanies Link on his adventures and is very skilled with a bow and arrow.

The series depicts an evident romantic relationship between the two protagonists. Link is always asking Zelda for a kiss; however, even when she agrees to give in to him, it never occurs. They are interrupted by monsters, Spryte, or any other unfortunate circumstance. It is revealed in one episode that Zelda loves Link, and there is no mistaking their romantic relationship in this series. Thirteen of these cartoons were produced prior to the cancellation of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show. Princess Zelda was voiced by Cynthia Preston in the cartoon.

Princess Zelda in Captain N: The Game Master

A slightly modified version of this Princess Zelda appears in several episodes of Captain N: The Game Master.

The Legend of Zelda Comics
Featuring characters and scenarios from the TV series, this comic has only four questions. While Zelda’s feelings for Link are pretty clear, there’s another element at play here: her duty to the Triforce, which must come before her own needs and desires. When Link is corrupted by the Triforce of Power in a story, this Zelda briefly possesses her Triforce of Courage, which she will not reside with one who uses Power without Wisdom.

The Legend of Zelda Manga
Stories from various Zelda games have been adapted into manga in Japan. These official publications expand parts of their respective games’ backstories. In Spring 2008, these manga were re-released in English in the United States.

Non-Canonical Information Notice: Non-canonical information ends here.

alter egos
Sheik
Main article: Sheik
Princess Zelda as Sheik
Sheik is Princess Zelda’s Sheikah alter ego in Ocarina of Time. Wearing possible blue armor with the red Sheikah eye in the center, and with his voice muffled and face hidden, the character is essentially unrecognizable and appears relatively masculine. It is possible that Zelda uses her magical abilities to alter her appearance. Sheik plays a lyre and teaches Link new songs to help him on his quest. Whenh Bros. Zelda’s appearance is again based on her Twilight Princess design. She can no longer transform into Sheik, as she is a separate character now. Her move set and Final Smash is largely the same as in Brawl. However, her ability to transform is replaced by Phantom Slash, where she summons a Phantom Knight from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks to block enemy attacks and projectiles.

The Legend of Zelda animated series
“I’m sorry, princess!”
— Link

Princess Zelda in The Legend of Zelda Animated Series

Princess Zelda in Captain N: The Game Master

A slightly modified version of this Princess Zelda appears in several episodes of Captain N: The Game Master.

Non-Canonical Information Notice: Non-canonical information ends here.

Spirit Tracks features several moments that can be interpreted in a romantic way. At the beginning of the game, during the Graduation Ceremony, Zelda enters the room in front of Link, who is bowing respectfully. Link then looks up and sighs, blushing at being in awe of her. He is then reprimanded by Chancellor Cole for raising his head without permission. Later, when Zelda’s spirit is separated from her body after her first meeting with Chancellor Cole and Byrne, Link is the only person who can see her other than the Lokomos, demonstrating a clear and strong bond between him and the Princess. After Zelda and Link defeat Byrne in the Tower of Spirits, Byrne, in disbelief, comments that he was defeated by two humans. Zelda, while still possessing a specter, says that when she and Link combine their strength, no one can defeat them. Link turns to her, surprised. The background turns white and Zelda’s Lullaby plays as they both laugh and touch their hands, looking at each other the entire time. Toward the end of the game, before the final battle against Malladus, Zelda is reunited with her body, and is no longer able to levitate. Link runs under her to catch her as she falls, and she ends up falling on top of him and knocking them both to the ground, as well as knocking Link out for a few seconds. Upon waking up, Zelda, happy to have her body back, hugs Link, making him blush. In the end, after Malladus was defeated, Zelda and Link watched Anjean and Byrne’s spirits ascend to the sky. The camera then pans down to show Zelda and Link holding hands while Zelda’s Lullaby plays in the background. After the credits, a short scene shows Zelda looking at a picture of Link on the Spirit Train with his spirit flying alongside him, which she keeps on her desk. She can also wave at Link depending on his answer to a question Zelda asked him earlier.

Skyward Sword has several romantic moments between Link and Zelda. At the beginning of the game, Zelda wants Link to be the first to see her outfit for the Celestial Ceremony. She cares about him and doesn’t want him to fail to become a knight. When Link’s Red Loftwing is hidden by Groose, Zelda helps Link find his Loftwing. After Link wins the Celestial Ceremony, Zelda jumps off the ledge and Link catches her, almost as if she’s been expecting him to do so. She then congratulates him on winning. Later, Zelda mentions that she is overjoyed to be on top of the Goddess Statue with him. She also gets extremely close to him and almost implies that the two are going to kiss, before she pushes him out of the statue. Afterwards, Zelda timidly asks Link to fly away, which they do. She then tells Link how amazing the day was, and that she would remember him forever. At the Temple of Hylia, when Zelda states that she must seal herself to keep Demise imprisoned, she sheds tears of sadness and states that before all this, she was happy just to be in Celestia with Link, demonstrating deep feelings for Link. . Link desperately tries to stop her and when she is sealed, Link lowers his head in sadness, showing his deep feelings for her. Later in the game, when Link releases Zelda from her sealed state, Link runs in and catches her as she is falling and they both hug and leave smiling at each other, holding hands, before Ghirahim ruins the moment. During the ending, Zelda asks Link what he’s going to do now. Link smiles sweetly at her as their Loftwings fly into the sky, implying that he chose to stay on the Surface to live with Zelda.

Link Between Worlds has some gossip told to Link by Rumor Guy. He tells Link that one of the Castle employees saw Zelda escaping every night. As she followed her, she saw Zelda looking at the painting in Hyrule Castle that depicted Link and Zelda from A Link to the Past embracing, implying that they have become more intimate with each other. This also suggests that Zelda in A Link Between Worlds wishes to have a similar relationship with the Link from her time.

Art of Link and Zelda in Ocarina of Time

The game’s creators also seem to be fans of the idea of a romance between the characters.[1]

Although never directly stated in-game, Shigeru Miyamoto revealed in an interview conducted by Famimaga 64 that Navi is jealous of Princess Zelda and has feelings for Link [2]

Another theory less popular with fans is that Link and Zelda are related by blood ties, either as siblings or more distant relatives. Although these rumors started with the infamous line “Hail the Princess… Zelda is yours… … …” from A Link to the Past (later reported as a translation error), the theory generally revolves around around Link and Zelda from Ocarina of Time.

A possible indication ofand a blood relationship between the two in Ocarina of Time is their physical resemblance: they both have blonde hair, blue eyes, and similar facial features. They also have similarly shaped heads. However, graphical limitations could account for some of these similarities. Certain dialogue can also be understood to suggest a blood relationship: The ghost Sharp comments that Link reminds him of Zelda, and that Link “may have some connection to the Royal Family”.[3] Link’s connection to the Royal Family is highlighted throughout the game, with Link often playing Zelda’s Lullaby to ensure this. The fact that Impa agrees to teach a strange boy a song that only members of the Royal Family are allowed to know could also be interpreted as an indication of Link’s blood relationship to the Royal Family of Hyrule.[4]

Also, Zelda seems to recognize Link’s name the first time they meet.[5] This could be attributed to his prophetic abilities, although the boy in her dreams appeared to be a large abstract figure, with no defined features other than the presence of a guardian Fairy and a Spirit Stone. This dialogue has often been taken as a sign that the two have met before, though this could only have occurred when Link was a baby because of the story the Deku Tree Sprout told about Link’s coming to Kokiri Forest. . It is also important to note that while the King of Hyrule is clearly identified as Zelda’s father, no mention is made of a queen. Meanwhile, it is stated that Link’s mother died shortly after reaching the forest, but no information is given about her father. Given these facts, it is possible that Zelda and Link share the same parents, making them siblings.

Theory Warning: Theories end here.

impa
Main article: Impa
In several games, Zelda has a nanny named Impa, a faithful servant, who is largely responsible for raising her and cultivating her abilities. In The Legend of Zelda, Impa is her most trusted servant, whom she entrusts with the task of finding a hero to defeat Ganon. In The Adventure of Link, it is Impa who brings Link to the Castle of the North and tells the story of the ancient curse that put Zelda into an eternal slumber.

The Impa from Ocarina of Time is a survivor of the mysterious Sheikah race. She protects and cares for Zelda, teaching Zelda and Link the ancient melody known informally as Zelda’s Lullaby, and flees the castle with Zelda when Ganondorf threatens the Princess in her attempt to enter the Holy Kingdom. Impa then teaches Zelda the ways of the Sheikah, allowing her to hide in plain sight for seven years while she awaits Link’s return. Impa is eventually revealed to be the Shadow Sage, who must protect the Shadow Temple. Zelda has also shown to care for Impa, even in her guise, appearing to be bothered by the possibility of Impa being in danger.

In the Oracle games, Impa is an agent of Zelda, sent to the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna to bring the Oracles safely to Hyrule.

In Skyward Sword, Impa protects Zelda from Ghirahim, following orders from the goddess Hylia. They became very close, to the point that they cried when they reunited and also when they said goodbye after stopping Demise’s reign.

While not much has been revealed, Impa from A Link Between Worlds is apparently Zelda’s mistress.

Family
Main article: Royal Family of Hyrule
Not much is known about Zelda’s family; they are rarely mentioned or seen in games. The king and prince who were related to Zelda in The Adventure of Link were never even named — their actions merely provide an explanation for Zelda and the conditions of the Triforce. It appears however, that the King deeply trusted his daughter, while the Prince, despite his actions, cared for his sister and was devastated when he realized what his actions had done to her. The King’s return to Hyrule Castle is seen briefly in the ending sequence of A Link to the Past. The next time we hear of a real relative is young Zelda’s mention of her father in Ocarina of Time, but this is just a small mention and he doesn’t make any appearances. He doesn’t seem to take everything she says seriously however, which caused his fall into the Adult Timeline and the Fallen Hero Timeline.

In The Wind Waker, Zelda’s (or more accurately Tetra’s) relationships consist of a deceased mother, who formerly led a band of pirates, and an ancient ancestor who often takes the form of a talking boat. The pirates on Tetra’s crew deeply respect her captain and act as a surrogate family for her. It was also confirmed in Spirit Tracks that Tetra is Zelda’s grandmother in the Japanese script. She was the one who taught Zelda about the Lokomos. It is also suggested in the Fallen Hero Timeline that the Seven Sages in Ocarina of Time are the ancestors of the maidens and sages in A Link Between Worlds. Another important relationship is shown with King Daltus, Zelda’s father in The Minish Cap. When Zelda is turned to stone, he is desperate to find a way to save her. The quest to rescue Zelda also requires Link to communicate with the spirit of her other royal ancestor, King Gustaf.

seven maidens
The Seven Maidens respected her as the Princess of Hyrule and were concerned about her safety. They begged Link to save Zelda from harm by threatening Hyrule and the people. They also combined their powers with Zelda to aid Link in his battle with his enemies.

seven sages
Quite similar to the Seven Maidens in terms of their relationships with Zelda, the Seven Sages of Ocarina of Time seem to see her as a leader. Zelda as Sheik asked Link to save them, to the point of sometimes getting directly involved. It is unknown if they are aware of her true identity as Zelda, especially given Ruto’s claim about her. It is unknown what the Seven Sages from A Link Between Worlds think of Zelda, as they do not interact with her.

locomos
Because they have a good relationship with Tetra, they also quickly became friends with her granddaughter Zelda when she asked for their help. They could also, for some inexplicable reason, see her even in her spirit form. They also stated Zelda’s similarities to Tetra, whom they considered an intelligent person. Even Byrne was moved by Zelda’s words, as he sacrificed himself to save New Hyrule despite his initial intentions. Link and Zelda, in turn, were relieved to learn that Byrne wasn’t actually dead. The Lokomos asked the duo to guard the land in their stead, showing that they trusted their Hylian allies.

midna
Initially quite hostile and condescending towards Zelda, their relationship was not stable at first. She even referred to Zelda as the “Twilight Princess”, most likely as a way of mocking her and the state Hyrule found itself in. But that changed when Zelda apparently sacrificed herself to save Midna’s life. This made Midna more respectful and caring about others.

During their battle with Ganon, it was Midna who completely freed Zelda from Ganon’s influence. She then sent Link and Zelda away, intending to sacrifice herself to attack Ganon, showing that she truly cared about them. After the battle ended with Ganon’s defeat, Midna was revived, which reassured Link and Zelda. During their parting, Midna stated to Zelda that “her words of hers are kind, and her heart is true”, as she destroyed the Mirror of Twilight.

Fi
Fi has been shown to respect Zelda in the same way that she respects Link. She also worried about Zelda’s safety, as did Link, as shown throughout the adventure. When talking to Zelda, Fi initially called her “Hylia, Your Grace” before asking if she preferred to be called Zelda. Soon after, Fi stated that she was happy to know that Zelda was in good hands.

When it came time for Link to put the Master Sword back on its pedestal, which it was said would put Fi into “eternal sleep”, Zelda (who was apparently sad) encouraged Link to do so.

Etymology
Shigeru Miyamoto stated that Zelda’s name was inspired by Zelda Fitzgerald. The name Zelda, which is generally believed to be of Germanic origin, means “gray fighting maiden” or “woman warrior”, derived from Old German Griselda (“dark battle”).[6] Another possible origin is from the Old English word selde (“companion”).[7] Also, it is a Yiddish name meaning “happiness” or “luck”.

It is interesting to note that Zelda’s name can be associated with the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, delta, which is triangular in shape like the Triforce: in Dhimotiki (Modern Greek) the word for δέλτα (delta) is dhelda (pronounced AFI /ðel.da/), which is normally transliterated into katakana as zeruda.

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