20 Heart-Melting & Gut-Wrenching Quotes That Define The Legend of Zelda Games

The Legend of Zelda series boasts a plethora of beloved and wholesome characters who have left a lasting impression on fans over the years. Link, in particular, is a character who speaks volumes with very few words. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that when these characters experience suffering, sacrifice, or pain during gameplay, it profoundly affects players.

With a franchise that spans several decades, there is tough competition when it comes to selecting the most poignant and gut-wrenching quotes. However, the following quotes perfectly capture the heart-wrenching moments that define The Legend of Zelda franchise.

10 "Do You Ever Feel A Strange Sadness As Dusk Falls? They Say It's The Only Time When Our World Intersects With Theirs... That Is Why Loneliness Always Pervades The Hour Of Twilight." - Rusl, Twilight Princess

By an idyllic waterfall, Rusl contemplates the seemingly innocuous statement, which holds deeper significance once players uncover the fate of the Twili. The once peace-loving Twili Tribe was coerced into transforming into terrifying Shadow Beasts by the hand of King Zant. This resulted in the shattering of their prized possession, the ‘Fused Shadow,’ across both the Twilight Realm and Hyrule. As retribution for their actions and the harm inflicted upon the innocent inhabitants of Hyrule, the Golden Goddesses banished the Twili to the desolate Twilight Realm for centuries. It is this lingering sense of sorrow that Rusl perceives after the twilight hour, leaving him with a heavy heart.

9 “This Is The Only World That Your Ancestors Were Able To Leave You. Please… Forgive Us.” - King Daphnes, Wind Waker

In the face of the goddesses' decision to flood the kingdom as a protective measure against Ganon, King Daphnes demonstrated unwavering loyalty by willingly remaining behind to be sealed away underwater. After Ganon's escape many centuries later, King Daphnes had transformed into a remarkable sentient vessel known as the King of Red Lions. His sole purpose was to track down Link and eliminate Ganon once and for all.

8 “By Ruining Hyrule...? You’d Bring Out The Absolute Worst Of Lorule.” - Ravio, A Link Between Worlds

After Link and Zelda successfully vanquish Ganon, the courageous duo's triumph gives rise to King Daphnes' hope for the discovery of a fresh chapter in the history of Hyrule, aptly named New Hyrule. Alas, King Daphnes, deriving unwavering loyalty to his cherished homeland, valiantly embraces his fate, relinquishing his existence to the relentless waves of a second devastating flood. As Link embarks on a quest to ascertain a new dominion, the King of Red Lions, a once vibrant embodiment of royal authority, now transforms into a forlorn vessel, echoing the poignant absence left by King Daphnes' passing.

Originally a prosperous kingdom, Lorule's Triforce was intentionally demolished by its ancestors as a means of averting a brutal civil war. Consequently, Lorule now lies in ruins, with immense ravines that its inhabitants find so inhospitable that they would rather transform into creatures than live as Lorulians. In The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, Princess Hilda treacherously deceives Link in her desperate endeavor to pilfer Hyrule's Triforce and bring about Lorule's restoration. Recognizing the potential devastation that this would entail for Hyrule, her faithful servant, Ravio, ultimately succeeds in persuading Hilda to abandon her self-centered plan.

7 “No! I Will Not Allow You To Take Her Again!” - Sidon, Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Calamity

Filled with shame, Hilda guides Link and Zelda back to Hyrule, ensuring their safe return. In a poignant and heartfelt final cutscene, a despondent Hilda and Ravio bear witness to the magnificent restoration of Lorule and the Triforce, courtesy of a compassionate and forgiving Zelda.

In Breath of the Wild, Sidon mourns the loss of his beloved older sister, Mipha. Even in death, the connection between Princess Mipha and Link remains strong, as she presents him with her sacred armor (originally meant for her future spouse) and her restorative abilities instead of bringing herself back to life. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity depicts the tender and supportive relationship between the siblings during their childhood, augmenting the profound sadness of Mipha's demise.

Sidon yells this heartbreaking quote as he emerges from the future, bravely rescuing Mipha from the clutches of the Water Ganon that once claimed her life. Despite the gravity of the situation, his face lights up with the very same endearing smile from their shared childhood. However, Future Sidon remains reticent about the true nature of Mipha's fate in his timeline. With a silent understanding, he allows Mipha and his younger self to revel in their altered timeline, free from the tragic loss that once befell them.

6 "People Are Disgusting, My Own Father And Mother Are Disgusting. You Must Be Disgusting Too." - Grog, Ocarina Of Time

Encountered during Link's childhood, Grog sat beneath a tree in Kakariko village, casting a grim outlook on the world in which Link resides. As Link emerges from a seven-year slumber into a bleaker and more sinister version of Hyrule, Grog's conspicuous absence hangs in the air. Amidst this desolate landscape, Grog's sister Anju, known as the Cucco Lady, tirelessly tends to Grog's cherished blue Cojiro despite her allergies. Although players have the option to return Cojiro, Grog is left wounded by the realization that his once-solely loyal companion now shows affection towards others.

Once Grog vanishes into oblivion, Link receives news that Grog met the same fate as numerous others who have been swallowed by the treacherous woods—transformed into a Stalfos. Devoted followers speculate that Grog escaped or, perhaps even worse, intentionally surrendered himself to the clutches of despair, influenced by the harrowing association between Japanese forests and suicide. Considering the enigmatic destiny and sorrowful existence of Grog, this poignant statement carries an even greater magnitude of weight and desolation.

5 “I Wonder If You Do The Right Thing… Does It Really Make Everybody… Happy?” - Moon Child (Gyorg), Majora’s Mask

In The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Link stumbles upon a group of Moon Children, distinguished by the masks they wear. Each mask represents a formidable Boss that Link will later face in the dungeons. To interact with these Moon Children, Link must engage in a game of hide and seek, offering them a new mask in exchange for their current one. This exchange prompts the Moon Children to pose thought-provoking questions to Link.

As players strive to rescue the innocent citizens of Termina from the impending doom of the descending Moon, they bear witness to the tragic consequences suffered by those left unredeemed. One such unsettling instance involves Cremia resorting to feeding her younger sister alcohol in order to render her unconscious amidst the horrors of the impending apocalypse. The stark reality portrayed in this scenario serves as a poignant reminder that it may not always be feasible to save everyone, and that choosing to do what is right can exact a toll that is both agonizing and deeply personal.

4 “Link, I… See You Later.” - Midna, Twilight Princess

Initially, Midna begrudgingly accompanies Link, displaying a scornful and callous attitude towards Hyrule, Zelda, and the inhabitants of the Light Realm. In her eyes, Link is merely her "servant" chosen to liberate the Twili from their curse. However, everything changes when Zant, the malevolent antagonist, mortally wounds Midna for refusing to align herself with his wicked intentions. Fortunately, Zelda manages to revive her, and this pivotal moment sparks a transformation within Midna. She begins to recognize the kindness and selflessness exhibited by Link and Zelda, prompting her to join forces with them in their battle against Zant and Ganon.

When Midna is ultimately restored to her authentic state, the moment is a mix of both joy and sadness, for she must now return to the Twilight Realm before the bond between worlds is irreversibly severed. In her emotionally charged final words, Midna struggles to find the right words to express to Link, but it is strongly implied that an unspoken declaration of love was poised on the very tip of her tongue.

3 “Mommy! You’re Too Good At Hide And Seek! I Can’t Find You!” - Cottla, Breath Of The Wild

Meet Cottla, a gentle and pure-hearted young girl residing in Kakariko Village. Her father, Dorian, was once a loyal member of the notorious Yiga Clan. However, upon the birth of his two beloved daughters, Dorian decided to abandon the treacherous path of the clan. This act didn't go unnoticed by the vengeful Yiga members, who unleashed their fury by ruthlessly taking the life of Dorian's wife. In an attempt to safeguard his remaining loved ones, Dorian reluctantly joined the ranks as a spy for the Yiga Clan.

2 “I’ve Left Them All To Die!” - Zelda, Breath Of The Wild

Dorian, in an act of secrecy, concealed the passing of their mother. This explains why Cottla engages in elaborate hide and seek sessions every morning, desperate to locate her missing parent. With heartbreaking emotion, she repeatedly exclaims a poignant quote that reflects her longing. Meanwhile, Koko, Dorian's eldest daughter, came across the truth about their mother's demise independently. Devastated, she can often be found sobbing inconsolably in the village graveyard. However, their youngest sibling, Cottla, remains oblivious to the reality, still clinging to the belief that their mother is alive.

Despite her kindness, tireless work ethic, and willingness to sacrifice for her people, Zelda often faces harsh criticism from her own father. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Zelda dedicates herself to mastering her powers, but sadly, she is ultimately unsuccessful through no fault of her own. When Calamity Ganon unexpectedly devastates Hyrule, leaving only Zelda and Link to escape, all of her pain and frustration culminate in a powerful moment. In this memory, Zelda acknowledges herself as a 'failure' for her inability to utilize her powers and save her people.

Sobbing uncontrollably, she collapses into Link's embrace, seeking solace from his presence even though he is overcome with grief and unable to find the right words to console her. A tragic twist of fate unfolds as Zelda harnesses the power to seal away the darkness consuming their world, but only after Ganon has already taken Link's life. Left with no choice but to endure a seemingly endless century of wait, Zelda patiently anticipates Link's resurrection, knowing that when he finally returns, he won't remember their shared experiences and bond.

1 “I’m Still Your Zelda” - Zelda, Skyward Sword

In order to ensure the secure containment of Demise, Zelda has made the decision to subject herself to a thousand years of deep slumber in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Her intention is to prevent her powers from being exploited or stolen. Despite Link's desperate attempts to intervene, he is unable to stop Zelda. In their final moments together, Zelda reflects on their cherished childhood friendship and offers her apologies for involving Link in Hylia's plans before sealing herself away.

In an emotional moment of sacrifice, Zelda affectionately refers to Link as 'sleepyhead' and requests him to wake her once Demise is defeated, reminiscent of their childhood days. Fortunately, their reunion becomes a reality as Link triumphs over Demise and frees Zelda before the game concludes. Zelda's poignant words resonate, reminding players that despite the countless challenges faced in The Legend of Zelda franchise, she will forever hold a special place as Link's beloved Zelda.