The Ultimate Ranking of The Legend of Zelda's Most Powerful Male Characters

The Legend of Zelda franchise boasts a diverse cast of both male and female characters, each possessing their own unique set of skills and magical abilities. While Princess Zelda stands out as one of the strongest female characters with her power as the Goddess Hylia, there are equally powerful male characters throughout the land of Hyrule. Of course, none are more iconic than Link, the franchise's brave and determined protagonist. However, even more powerful characters have been introduced in recent games, including some with god-like qualities that make for formidable opponents against Ganondorf's quest to destroy Link and Zelda. These are the strongest male characters in The Legend of Zelda franchise.

8 Byrne

Byrne plays a crucial role in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks as he assists Chancellor Cole in resurrecting the powerful demon, Malladus. However, Byrne's attempt to seize control of the demon backfires and leads to a near-death experience. Interestingly, when Malladus possesses Zelda's body, it is only Byrne who possesses the skills to defeat the ancient demon. Despite his previous evil ways, Byrne ultimately sacrifices himself to prevent Malladus from re-entering Zelda's body. Throughout the game, Byrne showcases his impressive magical abilities, including attacks with his claw and bursts of energy similar to those of the Master Sword.

7 Daruk

Daruk was a formidable Goron and one of the four Champions entrusted with the task of defeating Calamity Ganon by piloting a Divine Beast in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. He was known for wielding the legendary Boulder Breaker and for his ability to cast a red crystallized rock shield around himself, called “Daruk’s Protection”, which could deflect incoming attacks. However, even with his strength, Daruk was unable to defeat Fireblight Ganon on Divine Beast Vah Rudania. After Link is able to defeat the same foe, the spirit of Daruk passes down the Champion’s ability of “Daruk’s Protection” to the hero for use in future battles.

6 Skull Kid

Skull Kids were first introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as wandering children of the Lost Woods. However, in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, one Skull Kid steals a cursed item that takes over its wearer, turning the child into a puppet with immense power. With the help of Majora's Mask, the Skull Kid can manipulate people's appearances, control the weather in Termina, fly, and even curse large areas of land. But under the control of the cursed mask, the Skull Kid is determined to destroy Termina by causing the moon to crash into it, until Link intervenes and puts a stop to his plans.

5 Vaati

Vaati, a Minish, gains immense power by stealing the Mage’s Cap from his master, Ezlo. However, his obsession with dark forces fuels his already formidable skills and transforms him into a threat for both the Minish and Hyrulians. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap portrays Vaati’s ability to transform into various powerful forms such as Vaati Reborn, Vaati Transfigured, and Vaati’s Wrath. Along with his strength, Vaati’s magic enables him to petrify and even transform his enemies into objects.

4 Yuga

In The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, players are introduced to Lorule - a world that is the mirror image of Hyrule. The game's villain, Yuga, is determined to revive the Demon King by hunting down the descendants of the Seven Sages and Princess Zelda's counterpart, Princess Hilda. Yuga possesses an array of magical abilities, with the most notable being his power to turn people into art using his staff. This technique allows him to trap his enemies in picture frames and even transform himself into a painting. When Yuga merges with Ganon, his already impressive magical powers are amplified, enabling him to wield magic without the use of his staff.

3 Ganon/Ganondorf

Despite his immense power, Ganondorf has one weakness - the Master Sword. This sacred weapon has been blessed by the Goddess Hylia and infused with powerful magic, making it capable of defeating even the darkest of forces. While a mummified version of Ganondorf is able to almost break the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom, the weapon ultimately fulfills its true purpose and defeats the true evil.

2 Rauru

Rauru, the Source of the Right Arm, is first introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as Link awakens on the Great Sky Island. However, it is later revealed that Rauru is the founder of the Kingdom of Hyrule, alongside his Hylian wife, Sonia, in this particular timeline. Rauru belongs to the Zonai race, believed to be direct descendants of the Gods who gifted them Secret Stones, which enhance the abilities of gifted individuals.

As the Sage of Light, Rauru is incredibly powerful and possesses the ability to seal darkness. He uses this power to trap Ganondorf beneath Hyrule Castle for centuries, ultimately sacrificing himself in the process. Only when Link and Zelda stumble upon this scene is Rauru's power finally broken, allowing Link to acquire Rauru's arm and become a God-like entity.

1 Link

In Tears of the Kingdom, Link's latest incarnation has proven to be a powerful force against evil. After absorbing a significant amount of Gloom during his initial encounter with a mummified Ganondorf, Link's abilities have grown exponentially. His strength is further enhanced by Rauru, the first King of Hyrule, who has given Link his arm imbued with Zonai's abilities. Although Link doesn't possess any superpowers, he shows incredible adaptability in facing various challenges with minimal health and stamina. He also quickly learns new techniques and powers that he encounters. As the Spirit of the Hero, Link holds the Triforce of Courage and wields the Master Sword, the only weapon capable of defeating the truest evil, often embodied by Ganondorf in various forms.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available now on Nintendo Switch.