The Ultimate Transformation: The Legendary Evolution of 6 Zelda Characters
The enduring legacy of The Legend of Zelda franchise is exemplified in its diverse cast of characters, each undergoing remarkable transformations across different games From the enigmatic Impa to the regal Princess Zelda, these six recurring characters captivate players with their ever-evolving appearances and roles
Throughout the extensive history of Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise, numerous characters have made recurring appearances. While certain antagonists such as Ganondorf persistently strive to conquer the kingdom, others like Tingle or Beedle frequently assume the roles of cartographers and merchants, occasionally crossing paths with the protagonist, Link, in diverse regions of the vast kingdom, Hyrule.
Nevertheless, there exists a group of characters within the Zelda universe who undergo significant variations in their portrayals across their recurring appearances. Whether they are central to the storyline or serve as supporting figures, these six characters share similar names and backstories, yet their personalities and characteristics couldn't be more distinct from one another.
6 Impa
In the original NES title The Legend of Zelda's instruction manual, Impa was first introduced. However, it was in Ocarina of Time that she made her first full appearance. Unlike the wise old woman in the original games, this version of Impa served as Princess Zelda's protector and was the last remaining member of the highly-skilled Sheikah tribe.
Throughout the subsequent titles, Impa's portrayal has varied. In Skyward Sword, both a young warrior Impa and an older sage Impa were featured. In the most recent titles, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Impa, now as an old woman, plays a vital role as Link's mentor after his reawakening.
5 Rauru
In Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Rauru was initially the name of a town. However, in Ocarina of Time, Rauru is repurposed as one of the Seven Sages who assists Link in his journey. This particular character, named Gaepora Kaebora, takes the form of a talking owl. Rauru's presence in the franchise was absent in subsequent games until the recent release on Nintendo Switch, Tears of the Kingdom.
In this new Switch title, Rauru appears as a ghostly figure to Link during the tutorial section of the game. It is later revealed that he is the spirit of Hyrule's first king. Despite being anthropomorphic like the original Rauru, this version also shares the same objective of rallying the Sages against Ganondorf. However, he now features a unique goat-like design.
4 Happy Mask Salesman
In Majora's Mask, The Legend of Zelda fans are familiar with the Happy Mask Salesman. After the Skull Kid steals the cursed mask from him, the Happy Mask Salesman appears to Link early in the game. Mysteriously, he instructs Link to retrieve the titular mask from the Skull Kid, allowing him to return to his homeworld of Hyrule.
In the previous game, Ocarina of Time, the Happy Mask Salesman has a less prominent role. He serves as a simple merchant who rents several masks to Link. These masks can be sold to others, enabling Link to acquire a mask that allows him to decipher Gossip Stones. Although eccentric, he is not as intimidating as his portrayal in Majora's Mask.
3 King Of Hyrule
In The Wind Waker, the King of Red Lions, Link's talking boat, is revealed to be a personification of King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule. He is the ancestor of Princess Zelda and makes his appearance in the game with a distinctive white beard. This design is also seen in Breath of the Wild, where it is used for the game's new king, Rhoam. Rhoam takes on the role of an Old Man who guides Link at the beginning of the game, similar to King Rauru in Tears of the Kingdom. However, unlike the authoritative presence of the king in The Wind Waker, King Rhoam is portrayed as a foreboding figure, warning Link of the imminent dangers he will face.
2 Purah
In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the character known as Purah is depicted as a brilliant Sheikah scientist working for the kingdom of Hyrule. Notably, Purah's experiments with anti-aging technology in Breath of the Wild have resulted in her appearing as a young girl, despite her actual age of over 100 years.
However, in Tears of the Kingdom, Purah is portrayed as having matured both physically and emotionally. While her intellect remains unchanged, her role in the story is significantly reduced. In this installment, Purah serves as the head of the investigation following the Upheaval, whereas in Breath of the Wild she played a pivotal role in upgrading Link's Sheikah Sensor.
1 Princess Zelda
In the various installments of The Legend of Zelda, Princess Zelda has undergone numerous interpretations, showcasing her versatility as a character. Throughout the franchise, she has been portrayed as a damsel-in-distress, an antagonist, a companion, and at times, even a missing person. Notably, titles such as The Wind Waker introduced alter egos like Tetra, who possess a more rebellious and untamed nature compared to the traditional princess persona.
Significantly, the role of Princess Zelda differs significantly between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. While in the former she primarily appears as Link's companion in flashback sequences, the latter presents a mysterious side to her character. After being sent back in time, her true self remains mostly undisclosed, and her actions seem to be linked to catastrophic events unfolding throughout the kingdom of Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available for the Nintendo Switch.
