When we think of The Legend of Zelda, iconic characters like Link and Ganon often come to mind. However, The Legend of Zelda series has been home to some of the most dynamic and influential female characters in gaming history. From the series’ titular princess, Zelda, to powerful allies and enemies, the women of Hyrule are often central to the story’s emotional depth, lore, and gameplay. In this article, we’ll explore the strong female characters in the Zelda series and how they’ve evolved to become more than just side characters, embodying strength, wisdom, and courage.
1. Princess Zelda: The Heart of Hyrule
It’s impossible to talk about the women of Zelda without starting with the titular character herself: Princess Zelda. While Zelda may have started as a damsel in distress in the early games, her role has evolved dramatically over time, transforming her into one of the most powerful and complex figures in the series.
Why She’s Memorable:
In her earliest appearances, such as in The Legend of Zelda (1986) and The Adventure of Link (1987), Zelda played a more passive role, with Link tasked with rescuing her from the clutches of Ganon. However, by A Link to the Past (1991), Zelda’s importance to the story expanded, as she played a key role in the lore of the Triforce and the destiny of Hyrule.
As the series progressed, Zelda’s agency increased. In Ocarina of Time (1998), Zelda adopts the persona of Sheik, a mysterious warrior who helps Link throughout his quest. This transformation into Sheik was groundbreaking, as it marked the first time Zelda actively fought against evil, showing her strength and resourcefulness.
In Twilight Princess (2006), Zelda is portrayed as a wise ruler, willing to sacrifice herself to protect her people, while in Skyward Sword (2011), she is revealed to be the mortal reincarnation of the goddess Hylia, adding layers to her character’s mythological significance. Zelda is far more than just the princess in need of rescue—she is a symbol of wisdom and the rightful protector of Hyrule.
2. Impa: The Guardian of the Royal Family
Impa has been a recurring character in the Zelda series since its inception, and her role as the loyal guardian of Princess Zelda and protector of Hyrule’s royal family has evolved significantly over the years.
Why She’s Memorable:
In Ocarina of Time, Impa takes on a mentor-like role, guiding Link and serving as one of the Seven Sages. She’s portrayed as a powerful Sheikah warrior, standing between the forces of darkness and Hyrule’s future. Impa’s backstory as a Sheikah, a secretive and powerful clan, adds depth to her character, particularly in Skyward Sword, where she plays a vital role in preserving Zelda’s safety across time. In Hyrule Warriors, Impa takes on an even more action-oriented role, using her combat prowess to help defend the kingdom in real-time battle.
Impa’s quiet strength, loyalty, and wisdom have made her a central figure in the series. She is often the one who guides Zelda and Link toward their destiny, embodying the theme of silent strength that runs through the franchise.
3. Midna: The Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess introduced one of the most beloved and complex female characters in the Zelda series: Midna, the enigmatic princess of the Twilight Realm. Her arc is central to the game’s plot, and her relationship with Link forms the emotional core of the story.
Why She’s Memorable:
When we first meet Midna, she’s sarcastic, cunning, and seemingly self-serving. However, as the game progresses, her motivations become clear—she’s fighting to restore her kingdom and undo the curse placed on her by Zant, the usurper king. Midna’s character development is one of the strongest in the Zelda series, as her bond with Link deepens and she transitions from a trickster-like figure to a loyal and noble ally.
Midna’s true power is revealed when she returns to her original form as the Twilight Princess, showing her as both a regal leader and a powerful sorceress. Her sacrifice at the end of the game, where she destroys the Mirror of Twilight to protect both worlds, is one of the most heartbreaking and heroic moments in the series. Midna’s blend of vulnerability, strength, and complexity makes her one of the most memorable characters in the Zelda universe.
4. Urbosa: The Gerudo Warrior Queen
In Breath of the Wild, Urbosa quickly became a fan-favorite as one of the four Champions of Hyrule. As the leader of the Gerudo tribe, Urbosa exudes confidence, strength, and leadership.
Why She’s Memorable:
Urbosa’s fierce loyalty to Zelda and her role as a Champion make her a critical part of the game’s lore. She pilots the Divine Beast Vah Naboris, protecting her people and preparing to defend Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. Her personality is as fiery as the desert she comes from, and her backstory reveals a close bond with Zelda’s mother, giving her character a deep emotional connection to the royal family.
Urbosa’s combat prowess is on full display in Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, where she wields lightning with devastating effect. She stands out as one of the strongest and most respected leaders in the Zelda series, proving that women in Zelda can be as physically imposing and capable as any of the male warriors.
5. Tetra: The Pirate Princess
In The Wind Waker (2003), Zelda takes on a whole new form as Tetra, a brash and fearless pirate captain who plays a key role in Link’s adventure. This was a radical reimagining of Princess Zelda, turning her from a regal, sheltered figure into a swashbuckling, treasure-hunting leader of a pirate crew.
Why She’s Memorable:
Tetra’s initial role as a pirate captain distances her from the traditional image of Zelda. She’s independent, witty, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. However, halfway through the game, it’s revealed that Tetra is, in fact, the latest incarnation of Princess Zelda, a twist that shocked many players.
This duality of Tetra/Zelda makes her one of the most fascinating iterations of Zelda, as she embodies both the freedom of adventure and the burden of royal responsibility. Even after her true identity is revealed, Tetra retains her pirate persona, demonstrating that Zelda doesn’t have to fit into the traditional princess mold to be a powerful and effective leader.
6. Ruto: The Zora Princess
Princess Ruto, the Zora princess from Ocarina of Time, is another strong female character in the series. While she starts as a somewhat arrogant and haughty princess, her development over the course of the game turns her into a key figure in Hyrule’s future.
Why She’s Memorable:
Ruto’s role in Ocarina of Time begins with her being rescued by Link in Lord Jabu-Jabu’s Belly, but she later matures into one of the Seven Sages, responsible for helping Link defeat Ganon. Ruto’s arc is one of growth, as she evolves from a spoiled princess into a wise and selfless sage, willing to put aside her personal feelings for the greater good.
Her unrequited love for Link adds a personal dimension to her character, but it’s her commitment to her people and her responsibility as a sage that ultimately defines her. Ruto’s transformation from a seemingly self-centered character to a noble sage is one of the key moments in Ocarina of Time.
7. Zelda in Breath of the Wild: The Scholar Princess
Breath of the Wild gave us a very different version of Princess Zelda. Unlike her previous iterations, this Zelda is deeply involved in the research and study of ancient Sheikah technology, and her internal struggles form a major part of the narrative.
Why She’s Memorable:
This version of Zelda is more vulnerable than the powerful incarnations seen in past games. She doubts herself, struggles to unlock her divine power, and feels immense pressure from her father and the kingdom to live up to her destiny. This more human portrayal of Zelda adds emotional depth to the story and makes her a more relatable figure.
Zelda’s development throughout the game is subtle but impactful. By the end, she overcomes her self-doubt, harnesses her power, and plays a direct role in helping Link defeat Calamity Ganon. Her scholarly nature, combined with her emotional struggles, gives this Zelda a depth that we hadn’t seen before, making her one of the most well-rounded characters in the series.
8. Saria: The Childhood Friend and Sage
Saria, one of Link’s closest childhood friends in Ocarina of Time, represents another example of a strong female character in the Zelda series, despite her smaller role in the overall plot.
Why She’s Memorable:
As one of the Kokiri, Saria is kind, nurturing, and one of Link’s only true friends during his time in the Kokiri Forest. When Link leaves the forest to embark on his adventure, Saria’s song becomes a recurring motif, symbolizing their enduring friendship. Later, Saria is revealed to be the Sage of the Forest, tasked with helping protect Hyrule.
Her role as a sage adds gravitas to her character, transforming her from a supportive friend to one of the protectors of the realm. Saria’s impact on Link’s journey and her symbolic importance to the narrative of Ocarina of Time make her a memorable figure in the series.
9. Malon: The Ranch Girl
Malon, the ranch girl from Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, is a fan-favorite character due to her warmth and connection to Link. While she doesn’t wield great magical powers or have a grand destiny, Malon is a reminder of the ordinary people that inhabit Hyrule.
Why She’s Memorable:
Malon’s relationship with Link is one of friendship and trust, and she provides a sense of normalcy amidst Link’s grand adventure. Her love for Epona, the horse, and her father’s ranch represents a more grounded, everyday perspective in the series. She helps Link obtain Epona, and her positive attitude and work ethic make her a refreshing character.
Malon’s significance lies in her simplicity, showing that even ordinary characters have an important role to play in Link’s story. She adds heart to Ocarina of Time and reminds players of the quieter, more peaceful aspects of life in Hyrule.
10. Hilda: The Dark Reflection of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds introduced us to Princess Hilda, the dark counterpart to Princess Zelda from the parallel kingdom of Lorule. Her role in the game offers an intriguing twist on the Zelda archetype.
Why She’s Memorable:
Hilda is initially presented as an ally to Link, but it’s later revealed that she plans to steal the Triforce from Hyrule in a desperate attempt to save her kingdom. Her motivations are driven by a deep love for her people, and her actions—while morally questionable—are rooted in her desire to restore Lorule to its former glory.
Hilda’s complexity makes her one of the more intriguing female characters in the Zelda series. She’s not a villain, but rather a tragic figure who’s willing to cross lines to protect her kingdom. Her story mirrors Zelda’s, but with a darker twist, offering a fascinating exploration of what happens when a ruler is pushed to the brink.
Conclusion: Women of Strength, Wisdom, and Courage
The women of The Legend of Zelda series are as varied and complex as the games themselves. From the regal wisdom of Zelda to the fierce independence of Midna and Urbosa, the female characters in the series are integral to the story and the lore of Hyrule. They are warriors, sages, leaders, and friends, each bringing something unique to the narrative.
As the series continues to evolve, the representation of strong female characters grows with it, offering more depth, agency, and importance to the women of Hyrule. Whether through their roles as protectors, sages, or heroes in their own right, the women of Zelda are a powerful force that has shaped the destiny of Hyrule for generations.