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This hero was proposed but rejected by the community for not being admirable enough or lacks what is necessary to be a purely good hero. Therefore, this hero shall be added to our "Never Again List", where proposed heroes rejected by the community shall be placed to prevent future proposals of the same do-gooder. They can be proposed again (with the permission of an administrator) if new elements appear in their series that can change their status as non-PG heroes. Any act of adding this hero to the Pure Good category without a proposal or creating a proposal for this hero without the permission of an administrator will result in a ban. |
This Article Contains Spoilers -
WARNING: This article contains major spoilers. If you do not wish to know vital information on plot / character elements in a story, you may not wish to read beyond this warning: We hold no responsibility for any negative effects these facts may have on your enjoyment of said media should you continue. That is all. |
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“ | And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom… is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all… it is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda. I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the king of evil. Please forgive me… | „ |
~ Zelda revealing herself to Link in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. |
“ | Stow your fear. It's now or never! | „ |
~ Zelda in the opening of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: World of Light. |
Princess Zelda is the titular deuteragonist of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise.
Zelda is the name for several female members of Hyrule's Royal Family who play an integral role in the history of Hyrule. Though each is the titular heroine of The Legend of Zelda series, the actual player character is Zelda's respective Link.
Princess Zelda is not one individual, rather multiple individuals born into the Royal Family of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda series. An almost completely unique incarnation of Zelda or one of her alter-egos has always been one of the central characters in the series. Each one varying in age and appearance, although nearly all incarnations take the form of a beautiful woman or girl with long hair (usually blonde).
Most incarnations of Princess Zelda are portrayed as the possessor of the Triforce of Wisdom, and many also possess several magical abilities, such as telepathy, shapeshifting, and the ability to conjure powerful magical blasts. She's the archenemy of Ganondorf and is often kidnapped by him or battles against him and gives aid to Link.
She was voiced in the Japanese version by Naomi Fujisawa, Mariko Kouda, Yayoi Nījisima, Jun Mizusawa, Hikari Tachibana, the former Akane Omae, Yū Shimamura, Ayumi Fujimura and Saori Seto. In the English version, she was voiced by Bonnie Jean Wilbur, Patricia Summerset, Brandy Kopp (World of Light opening cutscene only) and Stephanie Marton. In the French version, she was voiced by Julie Bataille and Adeline Chetail.
Appearance[]
Princess Zelda is not one individual, but rather the name is given to any females born within the Royal Family of Hyrule. Except for two games, an incarnation of Zelda or one of her alter egos has always been one of the central characters in the series.
In most incarnations, Princess Zelda is often shown as a beautiful and elegant princess (either as a child, teen or young adult) with the notable exception of Skyward Sword, where she is depicted as a commoner girl.
Zelda is a slender, light-skinned girl with usually long and blonde hair, although in early games, she is depicted as having red hair (due to pixel limitations), and in Twilight Princess, she is depicted as being a brunette, and is usually loose or tied into a braid. Princess Zelda almost always wears a long, pink and white dress that always displays the Hyrulian Crest on it, as well as a tiara to show her title of royalty.
In most games, she wears high heels, but in Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, and her traveler outfit in Breath of the Wild, she wears boots, and in more recent incarnations (such as her ceremonial dress in Breath of the Wild and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate), wears sandals.
As Sheik, she appears to be masculine looking with blonde hair tied into a braid with a white turban and red eyes. She wears a bandage wrap around her and body and wears a blue suit with her mouth covered and a red Sheikah mark on her chest.
Personality[]
Zelda is described as kind, loyal, virtuous, and benevolent ruler who deeply cares for the people of Hyrule and will do anything to keep them safe and is not afraid to come to their assistance whenever they need help. Zelda's wisdom is also extraordinary, as her decisions often reflect upon the wisest decisions to help the Kingdom she rightfully rules. Also, Zelda is known to be a forgiving individual, even to those who have previously and regularly harmed or threatened to kill her (such as Ganondorf). Even on the rare moments she has insecurities and feels envious as she can't do that Link does, she usually keeps her feelings to herself and regrets it when she lashes out at him. After he saves her from a Yiga Clan assassination attempt, Zelda finally realizes how wrong she has been treating Link and goes great lengths to apologize and mend and improve their relationship.
Biography[]
Origin[]
It was revealed by Hyrule Historia that when the kingdom of Hyrule was established during the Era of Prosperity, the queens were often named Zelda after their ancestor, the mortal incarnation of the Goddess Hylia, from the events of Skyward Sword.
One of the first princesses to go by the name was put into a deep sleep. The Prince of Hyrule, who felt guilty about his sister's tragic fate, declared at all future princesses would hold the title of Princess Zelda to honor his fallen sibling.
Unified Timeline[]
Skyward Sword[]
- Main article: Zelda (Skyward Sword)
The earliest incarnation of Zelda and reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia. Unlike her descendants, she is not a princess, and instead the daughter of Knight Academy headmaster, Gaepora.
The Minish Cap[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (The Minish Cap)
A childhood friend of Link and bearer of the Light Force. Zelda is turned to stone by Vaati while protecting Link but is she eventually restored by the power of the Four Sword and repaired Hyrule with the Minish Cap.
Four Swords[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Four Swords)
A version of Zelda that maintained the sealed placed on Vaati until the monster broke free and kidnapped her to be its bride. She is eventually rescued by Link wielding the Four Sword.
Ocarina of Time[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
This incarnation of Zelda foresaw Ganondorf attempting to steal the Triforce from the Sacred Realm and tried to stop him with Link's help. Unfortunately she was unsuccessful, and secretly assisted Link oppose Ganondorf seven years later as Sheik.
Downfall Timeline[]
A Link to the Past and Oracle Series[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Era of Light and Dark)
This Zelda was kidnapped twice in attempts to bring about Ganon’s return. First by the sorcerer Agahnim sometime after escaping from Hyrule Castle with Link's help, and secondly by Twinrova to be used in rites to revive Ganon. In both scenarios, she is saved by Link.
A Link Between Worlds[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
Zelda was imprisoned in a painting by the sorcerer Yuga to free Ganon from imprisonment as part of a plot to obtain the Triforce. She manages to assist Link during the battle against Yuga at Lorule Castle by giving him the Light Arrows.
The Legend of Zelda[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
This version of Zelda shatters the Triforce of Wisdom to prevent Ganon from obtaining it. Link must gather all its pieces from across the land before he can rescue her from Ganon's clutches.
The Adventure of Link[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Zelda II: The Adventure of Link)
This is the incarnation of Zelda that was placed under a deep sleep by a wizard when she refused to indulge information about the Triforce. She would eventually be awakened and free of the curse by Link years later.
Child Timeline[]
Majora's Mask[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
The same version of Zelda from Ocarina of Time but in an altered timeline where Link warns her about Ganondorf's treachery, resulting in his capture. She appears in a memory to remind Link about The Song of Time.
Twilight Princess[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
Zelda surrendered herself to the false monarch Zant in order to protect her subjects and is held captive at Hyrule Castle. She uses her power to save Midna's life and her body was used as a puppet by Ganondorf.
Four Sword Adventures[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Four Swords Adventures)
Zelda is kidnapped by Dark Link along with six other maidens on behalf of Ganon to free Vaati. She is saved from Vaati by Link and assists him with the other maidens to seal Ganon away.
Adult Timeline[]
The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass[]
- Main article: Tetra
This version of Zelda is actually a pirate leader named Tetra who meets Link on Outset Island after being pursued by a giant bird. She helps him find his kidnapped sister and eventually learns of her destiny as a princess.
Spirit Tracks[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
A descendant of Tetra who has been kept sheltered by her traitorous chancellor. She is turned into a ghost after being forcibly ejected from her own body, and now must work together with Link to get her body back.
Era of the Wilds[]
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Era of the Wilds)
A incarceration of Zelda who used her sealing powers to tethered the monster Calamity Ganon to Hyrule Castle until Link was ready to defeat it a hundred years later. She also traveled thousands of years into the past to take part in the battle against Ganondorf.
Unknown Placement[]
Echoes of Wisdom[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Echoes of Wisdom)
A version of Zelda who goes on an adventure to save Link and Hyrule from being consumed by the rifts appearing across the land. She is accompanied by a entity called Tri and uses a magical staff called the Tri Rod to create Echoes of beings and objects to assist her.
Hyrule Warriors Series[]
Hyrule Warriors[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Hyrule Warriors)
Hyrule Warrios: Age of Calamity[]
- Main article: Princess Zelda (Era of the Wilds)
Power and Abilities[]
Princess Zelda is shown to possess several magical powers. Zelda is capable of using magic to conjure a bow as a weapon. She is also capable of using telepathy to speak to individuals mentally and assist them. Zelda can use her magical powers to fire magical blasts as a form of defense and can teleport from one place to another. In many of her incarnations, Zelda can transform her appearance as a form of disguise, such examples include Sheik and Tetra. And as the descendant of the first Zelda who is the Goddess Hylia reborn as a mortal, Zelda has divine powers, best shown when she manages to seal Calamity Ganon inside Hyrule Castle and keep him there for a hundred years.
As Sheik, she can only use one weapon: the Goddess Harp. She also packs lots of Kunai as well. The Goddess Harp allows Sheik to play the various Ocarina of Time songs to utilize various elemental attacks, yet the weapon deals damage of the Lightning element only, which is also the Goddess Harp's element.
As a ghost, Zelda isn't limited to just using magic to get things done unlike most ghosts in the series, but can possess enemies, even if she is limited to just Phantoms. She's also the only one who isn't actually dead.
Audio[]
Vocals
As Zelda
Zelda performing Nayru's Love. (Jun Mizusawa, 2008) Zelda laughs casually. (Ayumi Fujimura, 2018)
As Sheik
One of Sheik's taunts (Jun Mizusawa) One of Sheik's taunts (Ayumi Fujimura, 2018)
Theme
As Zelda
- A Link to the Past
- Ocarina of Time
- Majora's Mask
- The Wind Waker
- The Phantom Hourglass
- Four Swords/Four Swords Adventure
- The Minish Cap
- Twilight Princess
- Spirit Tracks
- Mortal
- Ghost
- Skyward Sword
- A Link Between Worlds
- Hyrule Warriors
- Breath of the Wild
- Candace of Hyrule
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity
As Sheik
Quotes[]
“ | I've been waiting for you, Hero of Time... When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest... one on a high mountain... one under a vast lake... one within the house of the dead... one inside a goddess of the sand... Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world. This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Sheikah. I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs... | „ |
~ Zelda when she introduces herself in her Sheik persona in Ocarina of Time. |
“ | When peace returns to Hyrule... It will be time for us to say good-bye... Now, go home, Link. Regain your lost time! Home... where you are supposed to be... the way you are supposed to be...Thank you... Link... Good-bye. | „ |
~ Zelda's farewell to Link as she sends him back to his own time, by playing her Ocarina of Time. |
“ | Wow. What's with that get-up? Well, whatever. So where am I...? | „ |
~ Tetra meets Link |
“ | If there really is sacred power in my body, please let it hear me. Tetra! Please give me your blessing! | „ |
~ Ghost Zelda during Spirit Tracks |
Trivia[]
- Besides the Princess Zelda's that appear in the games, the backstory to some of the games feature additional unnamed Princesses of Hyrule who have a similar appearance to Princess Zelda.
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the only game in the entire series where Zelda is not a princess, but rather a childhood friend to Link.
- Although they have yet to be individually named like Link's swords, Princess Zelda has been seen possessing or wielding a blade of her own. In the promotional pictures for Twilight Princess, Princess Zelda is seen in possession of a sword, and she indeed wields it against Link when she becomes possessed by Ganondorf, although not in hand-to-hand combat. In a scene where Zelda's Knights fell to Zant's Shadow Beasts, the blade was in her hand, seemingly as a status symbol or for imagery.
- Princess Zelda is also featured in other media, including comics based on the games, animated shows, and the Super Smash Bros. series. In some of her appearances, she is depicted as a brave, proud, and self-reliant fighter who is proficient in archery and horseback riding, such as in the Legend of Zelda comic and the animated series. As with the games, she is the protector of the Triforce of Wisdom.
- Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that the name Princess Zelda originated from Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of acclaimed author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- Hyrule Historia depicts an unused alternate Zelda design from A Link to the Past that gives her a foxlike appearance. It seems it was a possible Dark World form for her, similar to Bunny Link.
- Through Gameshark or Action Replay cheat codes, it is possible to make Princess Zelda appear in Clock Town.
- Over the years, Princess Zelda has garnered negative criticism regarding her portrayal as a character. Many fans and critic's criticisms range from "having little personality in most of the respected titles, having little to no screen time for her main status character and being a total joke in combat". These criticisms have led Zelda to become quite hated over recent years. She also is very infamous and hated in the Super Smash Bros. series too for her constant status as being known as "the worst character in the game, she's a total joke." Her Sheik and Tetra alter-egos, however, have been praised.
- Recent Zelda games have depicted Link and Zelda's relationship as more than hero and damsel in distress:
- Skyward Sword - shows their relationship to be platonic, which dates back to their childhood, and she was swept up by Ghirahim before presumably confessing her feelings for him.
- Breath of the Wild (at least in most of the memory cutscenes) - shows them as travelling companions on a journey to activate the Divine Beasts and avert the return of the Calamity Ganon, with Link being her sole guardian along the way.
- Biologically, the oldest version of Zelda is in Twilight Princess where she is 20, though Zelda is chronologically 117 in Breath of the Wild and thousands of years older in Tears of the Kingdom.
- American actor Robin Williams named his daughter Zelda due to his love of the games.
External Links[]
- Princess Zelda on the Koei Wiki
- Princess Zelda on the Legend of Zelda Wiki
- Princess Zelda on the Nintendo Wiki