- Golden Bugs Guide: Catch them All to Be the Belle of the Bug Ball - August 11, 2022
- Kaepora Gaebora Guide - June 11, 2022
- Darknut Guide - June 8, 2022
Zelda is an expansive world full of many characters. Therefore, it’s important to understand the types of Zelda characters to get a comprehensive idea of who you’re dealing with when you play any Zelda game. Every game is different, and most games introduce several new characters and keep some of the old ones.
Types of Characters
To start, everyone should know that there are three types of Zelda characters in addition to the main characters:
- Dungeon Characters
- Overworld Characters
- Enemies
Main Characters
The main characters are central to the storyline and the theme of each game. Zelda is one such character. She plays an essential role in each game as the title character, even when you don’t see her.
Zelda
Princess Zelda is the most important female character in every game. Without her, Link would have no reason to go on an adventure and save Hyrule. However, while she’s always a beautiful woman, some games make her more or less brave than others do.
Ganondorf/Ganon kidnaps her in almost every Zelda game. Sometimes she can be a bit daft, but she manages to help Link and save Hyrule in the end.
Link
Link is another main character that you’ll see in every iteration of the Legend of Zelda. As the name implies, he’s the Hero of Hyrule. He usually begins each game waking up in his bed or some other ordinary situation before he gets whisked off on an adventure. Link is courageous and willing to do anything for Zelda, even if it means putting himself in danger (which he does).
King of Hyrule
King of Hyrule is the ruler of Hyrule and one of the key characters in every game. He usually gives Link his quest and sets him off on an adventure to save Zelda. In some games, he also has a few other tasks for Link to complete, along with defeating Ganon. He isn’t as involved with the plot in other games as in others.
Ganon/Ganondorf
This bad guy wants to rule Hyrule and steal Zelda away from Link. Ganon is always trying to reach the Triforce but usually fails until partway through the game when Link finally defeats him.
Dungeon Characters
Every dungeon has an item to help you to complete it. However, at the end of every dungeon is a boss who holds another piece of the Triforce that Link needs to complete his quest.
Overworld Characters
Overworld characters are people who live in Hyrule and help you out by giving you information about quests or trading items for other items. While the first Zelda game only contained three overworld characters, more have been introduced over time.
Old Man
The Old Man character is frequently seen in the overworld. He appears to give Link advice or clues for his journey. But, of course, he’s often mistaken as a member of Ganon’s army since he’s one of the good guys.
Fairy
If you see a fairy flying around, it can usually help you by giving you a hint or clue about where to go next. They always appear insignificant places but are often hard to see unless you’re paying attention.
Deku Scrub
The Deku Scrubs are characters living in the Great Deku Tree, and one of their own named Koume eventually becomes an important character. They can appear in most Zelda games as enemies or characters that help you on your journey.
Enemies
As the name implies, these are the bad guys that you’ll encounter throughout your quest to save Hyrule. You will more than likely do battle with them several times throughout each Zelda game.
Moblins
These pig-like creatures appear in nearly every Zelda game and can be identified by their brightly colored faces and blue or red hair. In addition, moblins are often found wielding swords or other clubs to kill Link.
Stalfos
Stalfos are skeletons that rise from the ground, usually when you least expect them. They love to fight with their fists, but in later games, they have been known to use weapons as well. In addition, their bones can be used in alchemy.
Shadow Beasts
These black creatures appear in nearly every Zelda game, and they’re extremely dangerous. They walk on two legs, wear masks, and carry round blades that can cut anything. They love to steal things from other characters, so it’s best to kill them quickly if you meet one.
Bubbles
Bubbles are ghosts that fly across the ground in some Zelda games. They’re usually found living in dungeons, but in later games can be spotted in nearly every overworld location. They aren’t dangerous unless you touch them, so they’re typically more of a nuisance than anything else.
Armos
These creatures look like statues until Link approaches them when they suddenly come to life. Some chase Link around until he can reach their weak spot, while others shoot fireballs at him until he takes them out.
Characters by Game
Every new Legend of Zelda release has introduced a series of new characters along with the old.
The Original Legend of Zelda (NES)
Link
The original Link character was a young boy who visited Hyrule to borrow the Triforce of Wisdom from Zelda. Instead, he found himself up against Ganon, who had his own plans for the Triforce pieces.
Zelda
Princess Zelda has been kidnapped by Ganon several times throughout the series. Her goal is always to help Link defeat Ganon and save Hyrule from evil, but she can’t do it without Link’s help.
Ganon/Agahnim
The main enemy in the original Zelda game is Ganon – a powerful wizard who wants to take over Hyrule with his evil ways. Until he’s defeated at the end of Ocarina of Time, he’s known as Agahnim.
Old Man
The Old Man character is helpful in the original Zelda game. He gives Link advice or clues for his journey whenever he can.
Old Man’s Wife
Old Man’s wife can be found in the House of the Blue Shield in the original Zelda game. She gives Link money if he helps protect her house from Moblins.
Old Man’s Grandson
The old man’s grandson is rescued by Link in the original Zelda game. He gives him a hint to find bombs so he can break open the entrance to Level 2 of Hyrule Castle.
The Adventure of Link (NES)
Link
Even though he’s the same character from the first game, Nintendo wanted to give him a slightly different appearance for this release with longer hair and an eye mask. He has to travel around Hyrule looking for all eight pieces of the Triforce of Courage.
Navi
Navi is a Fairy who helps guide Link throughout his journey and also helps him find the Triforce pieces during various quests. She’s very helpful, but can be quite annoying at times – always saying “Hey!” and “Listen!” when you talk to her.
Ganon/Agahnim
Ganon had been defeated at the end of the first game, but he has come back and is working hard to try and take over Hyrule once again. He’s currently masquerading as an advisor named Agahnim.
Shadow Link
Link goes up against Shadow Link on more than one occasion throughout his journey to get control of the Triforce. He’s a doppelganger who copies Link’s every move and is a very tough opponent to beat.
The Townspeople
In this game, each of the townspeople has been cursed by Ganon so they only appear as old men or women during certain periods. To break the curse, Link has to find the Moon Pearl hidden in each of the dungeons.
Zelda
Princess Zelda is captured by Ganon and used to try and break the curse on the townspeople. Link has to find her several times throughout his journey to get clues for where he can find pieces of the Triforce.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)
Link
This character is the same as Link from The Adventure of Link, but he now has his iconic green tunic. His goal is still to save Princess Zelda and Hyrule, even though he’s faced with new enemies like Agahnim and Ganon this time around.
Zelda
This is the same princess from the previous game, but this time her goal is to escape Agahnim’s evil plans and help Link defeat him. Even though they’re supposed to save Hyrule together, she still manages to get kidnapped by Ganon at the end of the game.
Ganon/Agahnim
This evil wizard is back for revenge, but this time he’s found in all sorts of new locations. He appears as Agahnim at the beginning of the game but then comes back with a different form at the end to fight Link.
Old Man
The helpful old man from The Legend of Zelda returns once again to help Link on his journey.
Ezlo/Vaati
Vaati is a Minish who looks like Ezlo – an interesting character that can turn into a hat for Link to wear. Ezlo helps Link by telling him more about the Triforce pieces and also gives him hints throughout his journey.
Nabooru
The second-in-command for the Gerudo in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Nabooru is very helpful and manages to help Link out when he gets captured.
Link’s Awakening (GB)
Link
Once again, this Link is the same as the previous two characters in the series. He’s still trying to save Princess Zelda and stop Ganon from taking over Hyrule. The difference this time is that he’s doing it all on his own.
King of Red Lions/Daphnes
Link doesn’t have anyone helping him out this time, but Daphnes – the King of Hyrule – still has a special role for him to play in the story. This character appears like a boat at first and then turns into a ghostly man as Link makes his way to the Forsaken Fortress.
Mamu/Mamu-Ee
This character is a wizard who lacks patience and isn’t too pleased with Link after their encounter. He tells Link to leave but then comes back to ask for his help later on.
Ciela
This fairy helps guide Link throughout his journey in the game. She’s lost her memory, so she doesn’t remember much about herself or anything else at first. Her memory returns as the game continue.
Ganon/Agahnim
This is the same wizard from the previous game, but this time he doesn’t come back to fight Link at the end of the game.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Nabooru
The second-in-command for the Gerudo in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Nabooru is very helpful and manages to help Link out when he gets captured.
Ganondorf
Our main villain returns in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and tries to take over Hyrule after getting part of the Triforce. He usually doesn’t get very far because of Link, so his plans fail quite quickly.
Rauru
This Sage in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time helps out Link by telling him where to go next. He’s very wise and is the only adult who understands what Link is doing.
Zelda
Always the damsel in distress, Zelda gets captured by Ganondorf and she has to be rescued before Link can face off against the final boss. Throughout the game, she’s able to send Link messages through the Triforce.
Sheik
After the Twilight Princess saga, Zelda changes her appearance and dresses up as a Sheikah boy to hide from Ganondorf for seven years. In this form, she helps Link learn new songs on his ocarina that can help him throughout his journey.
Impa
This strong warrior helps out Zelda by protecting her throughout The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. She can be quite slow at moving around, but she manages to hold her own against Ganondorf and his minions.
Darunia
Darunia is the leader of the Gorons who Link has to help on Death Mountain in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He’s quite selfish at first, but he comes around after getting to know the young hero more.
Majora’s Mask (Nintendo 64)
The Moon Children
These somewhat creepy kids are hanging around Termina after their moon falls out of orbit. They try to get rid of all of the adults and do whatever they can to stop you from getting the mask and stopping the moon from crashing into the world.
Skull Kid
The Skull Kid has been given a cursed mask that turns him into an evil being who wants to destroy everything. Link fights him throughout most of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, but he only wants the Ocarina of Time back.
Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages (Game Boy Color)
Amsterdam
This main villain for The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons likes to use his magic powers whenever he can. He’s quite selfish and spends the game trying to get the Rod of the Seasons back.
Veran
Another villain for The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages spends her time trying to claim complete control over Labrynna and then eventually all of Holodrum as well. She can take on different forms throughout the game which makes her difficult for Link to defeat.
Medli
This character from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is a strong young girl who cares about Link and wants to make sure he’s OK. She isn’t afraid of anything, not even the big bad enemies in this game.
Zelda (King of Hyrule)
Zelda is the ruler of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages. She’s captured by the villains and Link has to save her before he can go on with his quest.
Link’s Shadow/Dark Link
This villain is running around in the game when Link isn’t looking. He tries to ruin the hero’s day at every turn and always leaves before he can be caught.
The Wind Waker (GameCube)
Link
After being stuck in the flooded land of Hyrule for years, Link finally gets to go back home where he meets Zelda again. His clothes are slightly different from his previous adventure because they’re not made of cloth but are sewn onto him.
Zelda
This is the same princess from A Link to the Past, but this time she can turn into Sheik. She can escape Ganon’s evil plans for once, but she still manages to get kidnapped at the end of the game.
Ganondorf/Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule
The antagonist in this game was finally revealed to be Ganondorf, so Zelda and Link decide not to refer to him by any of his various titles. He captures Tetra at the beginning of the game and tries to get all three pieces of the Triforce from Link after he finds them, but he fails in the end.
King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule is a new character in this Zelda game who helps out Link on his journey. He also gives the pirate Tetra the title of princess during a ceremony toward the beginning of the game.
Tetra
Despite being kidnapped at the start of this Zelda game, Tetra manages to escape and take control of her ship before she’s caught again. She gets chased by various enemies throughout The Wind Waker but finally becomes a princess after Link defeats Ganondorf.
Medli
This is a member of the Rito tribe who is very helpful to Link on his journey. She helps him by giving him hints about how to progress throughout each dungeon.
Valoo
After rescuing Medli, Link meets Valoo – a tall Dragon with a big stomach that is usually angry. He gives Link some very helpful hints throughout the game, even though he’s always in a bad mood.
King of Red Lions
This boat-like character acts as Link’s guide after Tetra gets kidnapped. Sometimes he speaks on his own without having to listen to one of Link’s commands, which can be quite annoying.
Mako
This young Rito boy helps Link by transporting him to various locations throughout The Wind Waker. He can be quite creepy because he has a huge crush on Tetra, but he still manages to help Link out when he needs it.
Great Deku Tree/Deku Tree Sprout
The Great Deku Tree in The Wind Waker is very different from the one who helped Link in Ocarina of Time. He lives inside Valoo’s stomach, which means he doesn’t do much throughout the game. Later on, his sprout helps out by telling Link what to do next and also where to go.
Fado
The first Rito character Link meets after he gets back home on Outset Island is Fado. Fado is the one who usually yells at Mako for staring at Tetra all day, but she seems to like him too.
Gonzo
This is one of three characters that help Tetra out throughout The Wind Waker. He’s very helpful and always seems to know what’s best for everyone. You’ll find him in certain areas when you need to get some information about how to advance in the game.
Nudge
Another of the three characters who help out Tetra in The Wind Waker, Nudge is a little slower than Gonzo but still manages to get things done on time. He can be quite clumsy sometimes, which often gets him into trouble.
Zuko
The third Rito who helps out Tetra in her quest to save Link is Zuko. He’s usually the one who gets captured instead of Link, so he always has to be rescued before he can help out again.
Valentina
Valentina is a new character who fights for Gerudo Town by hosting contests throughout the game. She also seems to have feelings for Link, even though she is supposed to be a criminal.
Namali
Namali helps out by giving Link some useful items, but he still doesn’t manage to rescue her from the Gerudo who kidnap her.
Tera
This older woman with a strange personality is captured by the Gerudo when she comes to visit Link. You meet her again later in the game, but she still can’t escape because she’s too old.
Ankle
This is one of the three kids who are captured by the Gerudo with Tera…but unfortunately, he doesn’t manage to escape even after you free him. It seems like he mainly helps out by giving useful hints to Link.
Laruto
This is the Sage of Earth, but she’s no longer alive by the time you meet her in The Wind Waker. She’s the one who teaches Link “Earth God’s Lyric” near the end of the game, so she helps out by doing this instead of being captured by Ganondorf.
Zephos and Cyclos
These two brothers both help out in The Wind Waker, but only one of them can teach Link a song. Cyclos is much faster and will usually take his brother’s name when he’s asked for it, which can get kind of confusing…
Fairy Queen
The Fairy Queen is the helpful ally Link meets when he plays the “Ballad of Gales” in The Wind Waker. She gives him some very useful hints throughout his journey, even though she’s really quiet most of the time.
Great Fairy
This character is a lot like those who appear in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, even though she doesn’t help out as much. She has a lot of great information for you and will also give you some useful items whenever you need them.
Brahne
Brahne is Zelda’s mother who ends up trying to steal Link’s Triforce piece because of some strange mark on her hand. She gets defeated by Link and Tetra toward the end of the game.
Four Swords Adventures (GameCube)
King Hyrule
Zelda’s father in Four Swords Adventures ends up disappearing at the start of the game. He doesn’t really do much throughout the story and is seen as a coward because he ran away from his problems when they came to visit him.
Dark Link
This dark version of Link appears whenever Link is in some sort of danger. He’s one of Link’s antagonists throughout Four Swords Adventures and can mimic Link’s every movement.
Grace
This strange woman is seen crying at the start of Four Swords Adventures because she has lost her wedding ring. She’s very helpful throughout the game and gives Link some useful items that he might need.
Wizzrobes
Creatures that live in the Dark World during Four Swords Adventures. They’re not good or bad, they just do their own thing until Link comes up and attacks them.
Vaati
The main villain of Four Swords Adventures is looking for the dark power that was created many years ago. He turns Princess Zelda into stone at the beginning of the game but gets defeated later on when Link is given his new powers.
Nabooru
The second leader of the Gerudo tribe is much friendlier towards Link than Ganondorf was. She’s not seen throughout the game but is mentioned a few times when talking to other characters.
King Dodongo
This huge monster from The Legend of Zelda only appears in Four Swords Adventures because of the dark power that was created many years ago. It’s quite slow, so Link manages to get away from it without any problems.
Malladus
This dark creature kidnaps Princess Zelda in Four Swords Adventures. He’s seen at the very end of the game when Link defeats him. Unfortunately, Malladus escapes after he’s defeated so the adventure isn’t over yet.
Kyro
Link’s horse, Kyro, is given to him after Zelda gets kidnapped by Malladus near the end of Four Swords Adventures. He can use his phantom riders from The Wind Waker to help him out whenever he gets in a tight spot.
Ganondorf
The main villain from Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker returns and is defeated by Link near the end of Four Swords Adventures. He tries to get away after he gets turned into stone, but the dark power that was created many years ago stops him dead in his tracks and freezes him forever.
The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap (Game Boy Advance)
Vaati
This villain loves power more than anything else in The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, so he goes around trying to get it no matter who gets in his way.
Wind Tribe
This tribe of people was invaded by Vaati and had to be saved. They tried to fight off Vaati, but they weren’t strong enough. Instead, Link was their savior and saved the entire tribe.
Kinstone Fusing Partners
Throughout The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap, Link spends time with this group. They’re all very different from each other, but they help out the young hero when he needs it the most by giving him a variety of helpful items.
Goron/Goron Elder
The Gorons are a strong tribe of people who were being held captive by Vaati at the beginning of The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap. Link helped them out by defeating Vaati and saving the entire tribe.
Twilight Princess (Wii)
Link
Link is once again the main character in Twilight Princess. He’s the same Link from The Wind Waker and is no longer a child. He has grown up on Outset Island and has become somewhat of a celebrity after defeating Ganondorf when he was a child.
Midna
This strange creature is with Link throughout the game in Twilight Princess. She helps Link out whenever he gets into a tight spot, but she also can turn into a pink ball of light whenever she wants to. This is helpful to Link because he can use her to bounce around and get to high ledges or other hard-to-reach places.
Ilia
This childhood friend of Link is seen throughout most of Twilight Princess when Link is in Ordon Village. She has a very strange illness that causes her to lose her memory now and then, but Link helps her out whenever this happens.
Epona
Link’s horse is seen throughout most of Twilight Princess and helps Link get to some of the harder-to-reach places in the game. He talks to her whenever he needs some help or just wants to know what’s going on.
Ilodore
Ilodore is Ilia’s father and appears in Twilight Princess whenever there’s word about Epona running away again. He helps Link by telling him all about Ilia’s memory of the forest. He is also seen near the beginning of Twilight Princess when Link first arrives at Ordon Village. He helps bring back peace and order to all of Hyrule by defeating Zant and bringing about an era of light.
Bo
The mayor of Ordon Village is seen near the beginning of Twilight Princess when Link first arrives in his new home. He helps Link get to some of the harder-to-find places in the game such as the Forest Temple and Goron Mines.
Rusl
Rusl is Link’s best friend and is seen near the beginning of Twilight Princess when he’s sent off on a mission to deliver a sword and a few gifts to Hyrule Castle. Link relies on him to get to some of the harder-to-find places in the game.
Uli
Rusl’s wife, Uli, helps Link get into the Forest Temple. Link relies on her to get into the Forest Temple by using a key that she has. She is seen right before Link goes to bed at the beginning of the game.
Fado
Fado is the only adult male character from The Wind Waker and is seen near the beginning of Twilight Princess when Link first arrives at Ordon Village. He helps bring back peace and order to all of Hyrule by defeating Zant and bringing about an era of light.
Phantom Hourglass (Nintendo DS)
Link
Once again, Link is the main character in Phantom Hourglass. He’s the same Link from The Wind Waker and has grown up on Outset Island. Once again, he faces off against Ganondorf and manages to save Tetra who is now a princess.
Tetra
This character can first be seen as a young girl in Phantom Hourglass. She’s the same Tetra from The Wind Waker and The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures.
Link’s Grandma
She lives on Outset Island and is the one who takes care of Link through his childhood. She helps get Link off to a great start in his journey by giving him a sword and shield.
Aryll
Link’s youngest sister is seen near the beginning of Phantom Hourglass when she washes up on her brother’s island after being kidnapped by the Helmaroc King. She is seen again near the end of Phantom Hourglass when she follows Tetra around to make sure she’s okay.
Linebeck
This character appears in Phantom Hourglass throughout the entire game. At first, Link doesn’t know what to think about him. He later learns that Linebeck is a good-hearted character who only wants to help Link get the Ghost Ship.
Maïd
The purpose of Maïd in Phantom Hourglass is to help Link find Tadtones. She is also seen in The Wind Waker when her ship crashes on Outset Island.
King of Red Lions
This character is a talking boat who helps Link get around in Phantom Hourglass. He only shows up when Link needs him and will only communicate through the use of the map.
Great Fairy
The fairy is seen in Phantom Hourglass whenever Link needs to be healed.
Ciela
Ciela is one of the main characters in Phantom Hourglass. She helps Link out by giving him hints and directions whenever he’s stuck.
Spirit
This character is the guardian of the Ocean Temple. He helps Link get to some of the harder-to-find places in the game such as the Temple of the Ocean King.
Spirit Tracks (Nintendo DS)
Link
Once again, Link is the main character in Spirit Tracks. He has grown up on Outset Island and has become a certified engineer. This time, he faces off against Malladus and manages to save Zelda who is now a queen.
Zelda
This character is seen near the beginning of Spirit Tracks when she mysteriously gets on Link’s train. It isn’t until later in the game that she reveals herself to be the actual Princess Zelda.
Phantom
This character is a mysterious phantom who goes around terrorizing the land of New Hyrule. He steals the Spirit Tracks from certain places making travel very difficult for Link and Zelda.
Anjean
This character appears throughout the entire game in Spirit Tracks. She helps Link and Zelda by giving them advice or showing them where to go.
Swiftblade
This character is seen near the beginning of Spirit Tracks when he forces Zelda to give him money and jewelry. He later becomes a swordmaster for the Hyrulean army.
Byrne
Byrne appears in Spirit Tracks and is known as a powerful warrior. He is later seen near the end of the game when he turns into a demon and tries to attack Link and Zelda.
Malladus
This character appears near the end of Spirit Tracks and is known as a powerful demon. He uses Zelda’s body to revive himself.
Skyward Sword (Wii)
Link
Once again, Link is the main character in Skyward Sword. He’s grown up on a floating island known as Skyloft and has been preparing to take on his knight trials for the past few years. He faces off against Ghirahim and manages to save Zelda who is now a girl living in Skyloft.
Zelda
This character is seen near the beginning of Skyward Sword when she tells Link to go see Zelda. It isn’t until later in the game that she reveals herself to be the actual Princess Zelda.
Gaepora
He is Zelda’s father and teaches Link how to play the harp.
Groose
He is a close friend of Zelda’s and helps her try to catch Link’s attention. He also dreams of going on an adventure someday.
Link’s grandma
This character lives on Skyloft and is the grandmother of Link. She encourages Link throughout the game and plays a key role in helping him prepare for the bird catching game.
Impa
This character is Zelda’s caretaker and is seen throughout the game. She is very wise and helps give Link advice on what he should do next.
Fi
This character takes care of Link throughout the game. She also helps him on his quest by giving him guidance and advice.
Hylian
These are the main characters in Skyward Sword. They are a race of people who come from the land below known as The Surface.
Skull Kid
This character is the main villain in the game. He captures Zelda and plans to revive an evil being known as Demise.
Demise
This character is the main villain in Skyward Sword. He was once a great being who ruled over The Surface, but he decided to challenge the Gods and ended up getting banished to another realm.
Ghirahim
This character is the secondary villain in Skyward Sword. He tried to revive Demise by using Zelda.
Goddess Hylia
This character is the main reason why Skyloft exists in the sky. She protects the island and gives it the ability to fly.
Ancient robots
These characters appear throughout Skyward Sword and were created by an ancient civilization. They live on Skyloft and look after the citizens that live there.
Great Sky Spirit
This character is known as Faron and is the spirit of Faron Woods. He helps Link throughout the game and gives him advice when he needs it most.
A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
Link
Once again, Link is the main character in this game. He decides to leave Hyrule and venture out on another adventure after finding out that Hyrule is in danger.
Zelda
This character is seen near the beginning of A Link Between Worlds when she is being attacked by Yuga. She is later captured and turned into a painting to revive Ganondorf.
Hilda
This character is a villain in A Link Between Worlds. She tries to revive Yuga along with Ganon but fails because of Link’s interference.
Yuga
This character is the secondary villain in A Link Between Worlds. He is known as a powerful sorcerer who turns Hyrule’s descendants into paintings to revive Ganon.
Ganon
This character is the main villain in A Link Between Worlds. He revives himself by using Hilda and Yuga’s magic.
Totem
These characters are seen in A Link Between Worlds. They protect Lorule after the kingdom fell apart.
Ravio
This character is the owner of all rental items in A Link Between Worlds. He gives Link advice on how to defeat Yuga and his minions.
Triforce Heros (3DS)
Link
This character is the protagonist of this game. He works together with Tetra and King Daphnes to help save the kingdom of Hyrule.
Tetra
This character is the leader of a pirate crew and Tetra’s Pirate Crew in this game. She helps Link and King Daphnes throughout their journey to save Hyrule.
King Daphnes
This character is the king of Hyrule in this game. He is also part of Tetra’s Pirate Crew.
Niji
This character is one of the pirates in Tetra’s Pirate Crew. She can be seen throughout the game and gives Link advice whenever he needs it.
Mako, Nudge, and Niko
These are pirates in Tetra’s Pirate Crew. Link relies on them to help him locate Tetra whenever he gets lost and to give him advice when he needs it.
Ganondorf
This character is the secondary villain in the game. He is the main antagonist of The Legend of Zelda franchise.
The Great Sea
These characters are the antagonists in the game. They want to steal Tetra from Link and King Daphnes to revive Ganondorf.
Breath of the Wild (Wii U)
Link
This character is the protagonist in Breath of the Wild. He wakes up from a deep sleep and meets an old man who tells him about a Calamity.
Old Man
This character is an old man that Link meets at the beginning of Breath of the Wild. He tells Link about a Calamity that happened 100 years ago and gives him advice on how to defeat Ganon.
Royal Family of Hyrule
This is the family that rules over Hyrule in Breath of the Wild. They are seen when Link awakes from a deep sleep and they talk about the Royal Family.
Calamity Ganon
This character is a creature that was sealed away one hundred years before the events of Breath of the Wild. It is known as the Demon King and is planned to be revived by Yuga.
Sheikah
This race of people is the namesake for Breath of the Wild’s Sheikah Slate. They are known as a tribe that defends Hyrule.
Zora
This race of people is seen throughout Breath of the Wild. They live in a city known as Zora’s Domain and are ruled by King Dorephan.
Gerudo
This race of people is seen throughout Breath of the Wild. They live in a city known as Gerudo Town and are ruled by Riju.
FAQ
Many of the Legend of Zelda worlds are interconnected and characters tend to reappear several times. It can get confusing, but these frequently asked questions can help.
Question: Are all of the Characters in The Legend of Zelda Franchise Humans?
Answer: No, some are Hylians while others are races of people that live in Hyrule.
Question: What Happened to the Royal Family of Hyrule at the Beginning of Breath of the Wild?
Answer: The Calamity happened one hundred years before the events of Breath of the Wild. A lot of people died, including members of Hyrule’s Royal Family.
Question: How is Link Able to Travel Between Parallel Dimensions?
Answer: Link has a Gate of Time in his possession and he uses it to time travel whenever he needs to. This explains how he can time travel between Hyrule and Lorule, or why he can wind back the clock when he visits the Temple of Time in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Question: How do Characters Know Where Sleeping People are?
Answer: This is explained in A Link Between Worlds. When a person sleeps, their spirit goes to another world called the Sacred Realm. This happens because sleeping people are sent to the world that is most similar to their own.
Final Thoughts
The Legend of Zelda characters are fascinating and this guide has hopefully helped you understand them better. Link appears in every game, but other characters come and go. They may even disguise themselves as other characters to achieve their goals.
Link, Zelda, and the rest of the characters are fun to study. They all have very interesting backgrounds. This guide has gone over just some of the most important characters in The Legend of Zelda franchise.
Continue reading more about Zelda’s characters: