The Legend of Zelda franchise is one of gaming’s most iconic for many reasons, but its massive cast of unforgettable characters is arguably one of the greatest as well. The names you no doubt know are perhaps the most recognizable, but even characters that appear in a single game can resonate across generations, bringing equal parts joy and fear to gamers everywhere. While there are too many great options to single out, we think the ten on this list are some of the best, if not the best, in the entire Legend of Zelda series.
Related: The Legend of Zelda timeline, explained: location of each game’s timeline
Top 10 Legend of Zelda Characters
There are dozens of small considerations when choosing the best Legend of Zelda characters, but the main ones were: how recognizable a character is, how much they’ve affected the community, and their influence on franchise canon. We present them in alphabetical order for simplicity.
To use: There will be major story spoilers for all Zelda games in which the characters appear. Read at your own risk.
Death
Picture via Nintendo
To say that Demise is important to the Legend of Zelda narrative is to do the word “important” a disservice. Although he only appeared in Skyward Sword, thanks to that game’s place at the beginning of Zelda’s three timelines, his influence on history is unquestionable. Although Demise had a relatively generic “evil demon lord” take on it, and his early boss fights like The Imprisoned weren’t a community favorite, not only could he fight on par with the pure Master Sword and the Goddess’ chosen hero, Link. He even corrupted the legendary sword and cursed Zelda, Link, and the whole world in an endless cycle of suffering. In short, without Demise there would be no Ganondorf, there would be no endless cycle of hate, and (for retcon reasons) there would be no Legend of Zelda.
Ganondorf
Picture via Nintendo
Every great story needs its villain, and while Ganon is the most recognizable villain, Ganondorf is the most interesting. His introduction in Ocarina of Time was one of the high points of the game. could compete. Then we had Wind Waker, and we saw that Ganondorf was more than just a bloodthirsty tyrant, capable of growth, subtlety, and genuinely moving emotions. Still unquestionably evil, but only because, it seems, the universe had mistreated him and his people, and what he did (said) he did in their service. The only reasons he fights to the death at the end of Wind Waker is because he has nothing to lose and because literal centuries of hopes and plans were dashed at the last obstacle.
Link
Picture via Nintendo
Link may not be Mario’s level of recognition, but he’s still one of gaming’s most legendary figures, with a near-flawless track record of masterpieces to his credit. He traveled through time, traversed dimensions, and faced gods, demons, giant robots, and the embodiments of intangible concepts, always using his bottomless intelligence and courage to overcome them. The fact that we as gamers can also enjoy these adventures is one of the greatest gifts of all time, and with the series showing no signs of slowing down or dropping in quality, I hope we we still have decades to explore.
None
Picture via Nintendo
Midna occupies a strange middle ground in the Zelda franchise. Not exactly a hero, but not exactly a villain either. The lines between good and evil were clearly drawn in many previous entries. It was easy to see who was good and who was bad, and while some games asked questions about the nature of such things when a character was introduced, it was pretty clear which side of the line they fell on. Midna straddles this line, working with Link out of convenience rather than selflessness, something of a theme in Twilight Princess. His mischievousness and slow character development only add to his charm.
Related: How to Play Legend of Zelda Games in Release Order
Myth
Image via Legend of Zelda Wiki
The first of two Breath of the Wild characters on our list, Mipha isn’t the only one to offer a romantic match for Link, nor is it the first soft-spoken female supporting character with ties to Link. However, she is one of the most beloved for her sincerity, her beauty, her devotion and her mischief (albeit unseen) with a trident. The ability he grants in-game has also undoubtedly saved many players’ bacon when they needed the most help. Mipha’s significant similarities and differences to Princess Ruto from Ocarina of Time are also at play here. Those who played the previous title no doubt have memories of those interactions, and those who would continue to play Ocarina after Breath of the Wild can see Mipha as a solid continuation of that franchise’s characterization.
malon
Image via Legend of Zelda Wiki
Malon’s role in Ocarina of Time was relatively minor, but his impact was huge. Exploring Hyrule would have been a much different experience without Malon teaching us Epona’s song. His guidance through the town of Hyrule Castle and his good humor were some of the brightest points of playing the first boy’s game and seeing the pain that Ganondorf’s reign had brought him. Ingo was undoubtedly abusive and seeing her realize that the person who freed her and her favorite horse was Link was extremely moving. She would go on to appear in Majora’s Mask as Romani/Cremi, as well as Oracle of Seasons, Four Swords Adventures, and Minish Cap.
price
Image via Legend of Zelda Wiki
Although Saria didn’t have much more presence in Ocarina of Time than Malon, her impact was just as easily felt. In fact, she gave Link his first ocarina, taught him one of his first songs, and was his first and only true friend growing up. Her joy, her sadness and her sense of duty endeared her to the community in 1997 and since. His song remains one of Zelda’s most popular songs, both from an in-game songwriting and out-of-game enjoyment perspective, and his loyalty to Link despite everything that happened was really moving. She only appeared in one game in the series, but she had an effect on fans new and old.
sheikh
Image via Legend of Zelda Wiki
Yes, we’re cheating a bit here, but Nintendo considered Zelda and Shiek to be separate characters and the same person for many of their offbeat titles. Shiek is also one of Zelda’s most active incarnations, using skills and abilities unseen in any of her other appearances, including stealth, distraction, and outright deception to achieve her goals. The physicality of the character is also unique: Bongo Bongo throws him and saves Ruto from under the ice, two tasks that require incredible physical and mental strength to complete. Many of the songs she teaches are also well-known to the community, and the reveal at the end of the game was a reveal on par with Aerith’s death in Final Fantasy VII, albeit for different reasons.
sidon
Image via Heroes Wiki
Not much can be said about Sidon without mentioning her absolute positivity and zest for life. The fact that his teeth shine during his power pose is the icing on the cake. It was also impossible not to see him everywhere on social media because more players were able to meet him. His can-do attitude was also notable for the grim nature of Breath of the Wild, where the end of the world was visible from every corner of Hyrule. Despite everything, Sidon never wavered in his hope for the future and in the certainty that Link was the man his sister always said he was.
Related: Top 10 The Legend of Zelda Songs – Best Zelda Music
Zelda
Picture via Nintendo
The franchise’s namesake may not appear in every title, but when she does appear, every action she takes has meaning and value, changing the fates of those around her. No two Zeldas are the same, some are daring ex-pirates, fallen monarchs, angsty teenagers, or royals caught in the crossfire. Link may be the face of The Legend of Zelda, but the series’ namesake has almost always been its heart. In many ways, the portrayal of Zelda mirrors the events and tone of the game, making it even more enjoyable to experience on stage. He’s a fan-favorite character because of and despite these shifting portrayals, thanks to his consistent aesthetic and indomitable will.
Source