Top 10 Villains in The Legend of Zelda Series
Discover the most sinister characters of Hyrule in 10 Most Evil Zelda Characters, Ranked From the cunning Master Kohga to the iconic Ganondorf, this article explores the dark depths of the Legend of Zelda franchise Unleash your curiosity and delve into the wicked world of Hyrule's villains
Article Key Points
Master Kohga and Zant are formidable foes in the Zelda series, but they aren't the most menacing. Their intentions, while nefarious, pose little threat to players or Link.
Chancellor Cole's sinister plot to release Malladus and possess Zelda's body is atrocious, surpassing even the acts of other formidable adversaries in the Zelda universe. Link and Zelda ultimately put an end to his wicked agenda.
Among the multitude of malevolent villains, Ganondorf stands out as the epitome of evil in the Zelda franchise. His betrayals and ceaseless spiral of terror and dominance solidify his position as the most malevolent antagonist.
Since its initial release on the Nintendo Entertainment System, The Legend of Zelda has consistently centered around the eternal battle between good and evil. In this iconic series, players often take on the role of Link, a hero continuously reborn across generations, tasked with confronting and vanquishing the recurring evil plaguing the fictional realm of Hyrule, all while protecting its renowned princess.
Throughout the extensive mainline Legend of Zelda games, Link has encountered a multitude of adversaries. However, a select few have emerged as the most malevolent characters in the entire series. These villains, featured in various Zelda video games, represent the greatest threats that Hyrule has ever faced, challenging Link with unparalleled strength and cunning.
10. Master Kohga
Breath Of The Wild
The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild
The game platform(s) for this boss are Wii U and Switch. It was released on March 3, 2017 and developed by Nintendo EPD. Kohga, a recurring boss, made its debut in Breath of the Wild in 2017 as the leader of the Yiga Clan in the Zelda universe. These Sheikah characters are renegades who serve Calamity Ganon and their primary objective in the game is to hunt down Link in various locations across Hyrule. In Breath of the Wild, players encounter Kohga as a mini-boss during one of the main quests, so it is advisable to equip some protective armor before the battle.
9. Zant
Master Kohga returns in Tears of the Kingdom, surviving his brush with death from the previous installment. In this sequel, players have the opportunity to confront the infamous leader of the Yiga Clan within the Depths, a place where he has been exploiting ancient Zonai devices. Despite appearing in both games, Kohga does little to pose a significant threat to either players or Link. However, his intentions remain quite sinister.
Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Platform(s) GameCube, WiiReleased November 19, 2006Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Zant, a character from the 3D Zelda games, is recognized as one of the most iconic. Initially, he appears to be the main antagonist in Twilight Princess. Zant usurps the throne of the Twilight Realm and leads his army to invade Hyrule. As a result, Princess Zelda is forced to surrender, putting Hyrule in great danger due to the invasion by the Twili. However, Zant's true origins reveal that he is not the mastermind behind these evil actions.
In reality, it is Ganondorf who is responsible for manipulating Zant's actions. The true nature of Zant is only fully revealed during his final battle. While Zant is undoubtedly completely evil, he falls short compared to the more menacing puppet masters of evil that Link has encountered. Nonetheless, one of his worst qualities is the cruel way he treats the Twili people, transforming them into Shadow Beasts.
8. Twinrova
Ocarina Of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The bosses in Ocarina of Time, Kotake and Koume, are significant characters in the Zelda franchise. In the game, they come together to create Twinrova and serve as Ganondorf's surrogate mothers, having played a pivotal role in leading the Gerudo tribe for centuries. Their actions are tied to the divine deeds of Ganondorf, which puts a certain level of responsibility on their shoulders.
However, it is conceivable that the duo was not always destined to be malevolent witches. They make a reappearance in the sequel to Ocarina of Time, known as Majora's Mask, assuming the roles of helpful shopkeepers whom Link can aid. It is plausible that in alternate realities, the Twinrova continue to demonstrate kindness towards unfamiliar individuals during their journey. However, in the realm of Ocarina of Time, they have embarked on a decidedly malicious path together.
7. Chancellor Cole
Spirit Tracks
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Platform(s) Nintendo DSReleased December 7, 2009Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
In the Nintendo DS game Spirit Tracks, the true menacing threat to Hyrule is Malladus. However, Chancellor Cole proves to be the more malicious force within the game. Initially presented as Zelda's advisor, it is later revealed that Cole is actually a loyal servant of Malladus. His sinister objective is to free Malladus from the restraining Spirit Tracks and employs dark magic to separate Zelda's essence from her physical body.
Cole's devious plan involves utilizing Zelda's empty vessel to aid in the summoning of Malladus, leaving Link with no choice but to join forces with Zelda's spirit in order to thwart him. This scheme displays a level of twisted malevolence that surpasses even the infamous villains of Hyrule's history. Ultimately, Malladus takes possession of Cole's body and reverts to his monstrous form, resulting in his defeat at the hands of Link and Zelda.
6. Ghirahim
Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Wii game Skyward Sword, released on November 20, 2011, introduced players to the primary antagonist, Ghirahim. Ghirahim, like other villains in the Hyrule world, follows a typical plan of kidnapping Princess Zelda to resurrect his master, the demon Demise. Throughout interactions with Link, Ghirahim's character is portrayed as torturous, malicious, and overly confident, making him an ideal addition to the roster of fighters in Super Smash Bros.
5. Cia
What sets Ghirahim apart as truly evil is his unsettling volatility, demonstrated by his frequent outbursts and uncontrollable temper whenever things don't go according to his plans. In moments of rage, Ghirahim exhibits a merciless and brutal nature, taking immense delight in causing harm to others. While his motives may not be entirely unique in comparison to the most vile beings in Hyrule, the approach he employs to achieve his goals is undeniably reprehensible.
Hyrule Warriors
Hyrule Warriors
Platform(s) Switch, Wii UReleased September 26, 2014Developer(s) Team Ninja, Omega Force
Cia has never made an appearance as a character in any mainline Zelda title. Instead, she serves as an antagonist in the spin-off game Hyrule Warriors, originally released for the Wii U. Similar to other villains in the Zelda franchise, Cia was not always evil. However, her jealousy towards Princess Zelda and her affection for Link leads her down a dark path, resulting in her splitting into two forms: the evil Cia and the heroic Lana.
Despite having opportunities to redeem herself throughout Hyrule Warriors, Cia remains consumed by evil. Eventually, she surrenders her power to Lana, accepting that Link will never return her feelings. While her story is ultimately tragic, the havoc she wreaks throughout the game cannot be justified.
4. Majora's Mask
Majora's Mask
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Platform: Nintendo 64, GameCube
Release Date: October 26, 2000
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Designating an inanimate object as evil may seem peculiar, but the narrative of Majora's Mask demonstrates that it has rightfully earned this title. In the game's backstory, the isolated Skull Kid steals the cursed mask from the Happy Mask Salesman, who intends to utilize it in a scheme to cause the Moon to collide with the land of Termina, thus bringing about the end of the entire world.
After forsaking the Skull Kid, Majora's Mask assumes the role of the ultimate adversary in the game, as Link confronts it while embodying the formidable Fierce Deity. Link successfully vanquishes the malevolence residing within the mask and restores it to its original state as a mere trinket in the possession of the Happy Mask Salesman. Nonetheless, the wickedness concealed within the mask imperils the very existence of the world, and in the event that players receive a game over, it is conceivably obliterated.
3. Vaati
Four Swords & The Minish Cap
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Platform(s) Game Boy AdvanceReleased January 10, 2005Developer(s) Capcom
Vaati is a well-known antagonist in the Legend of Zelda series, being just as recognizable as Ganondorf. He takes on the role of the main villain in games like Four Swords and The Minish Cap. Originally a Minish, Vaati is a sorcerer who frequently abducts maidens in Hyrule, including Princess Zelda in Four Swords.
Unlike Ganondorf, who seeks power, Vaati is driven by a twisted desire for women, which is considered highly immoral within the context of The Legend of Zelda game. It is in The Minish Cap that Vaati truly becomes a formidable threat to Hyrule, as he aims to conquer the land in an attempt to comprehend the darkness that resides within men, including himself.
2. Demise
Skyward Sword
The terrorizing presence of Ganondorf in Hyrule every few hundred years owes itself entirely to Demise. This malevolent entity, entombed by the goddess Hylia for aeons, is awakened by Ghirahim in Skyward Sword. Yet, even after being vanquished in the Wii game, Demise forewarns Link that his maleficence and animosity will continue to reemerge for countless millennia.
1. Ganondorf
It can be inferred from authoritative sources that the various incarnations of Ganon or Ganondorf within the Zelda series are, in fact, manifestations of Demise. It is truly difficult to fathom a malevolent entity capable of orchestrating an unending cycle of terror and power. Nevertheless, this serves to underscore the sheer ominousness that Demise exudes within the expansive world of Zelda.
Main Villain In Most Games
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Platform(s) SwitchReleased May 12, 2023Developer(s) Nintendo
Ganon, the offspring of Demise, stands unrivaled as the epitome of wickedness among recurring adversaries. In the case of Ganondorf, his malevolence takes on a personal form, evident in his treacherous acts against King Rauru and the brutal slaying of his wife Sonia in the latest installment, Tears of the Kingdom. However, this pattern of behavior persists throughout various games, such as Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker.
Ultimately, Ganondorf claims the title of the most nefarious Zelda villain simply because he refuses to relent. The demon king repeatedly returns in unending cycles, despite his inevitable defeat at the hands of Link and Zelda. It is possible that Ganon derives true satisfaction from the terror he sows along his relentless path.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have played many of the Legend of Zelda games and I have seen my fair share of villains. In my opinion, the most evil villain in the series is Ganondorf. He is the recurring antagonist in the series and is responsible for many of the evil deeds that have happened in Hyrule. He is a powerful and cunning sorcerer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals, even if it means destroying the world.
I also think that Zant is a very evil villain. He is the main antagonist in Twilight Princess and is responsible for the invasion of Hyrule by the Twilight Realm. He is a cruel and sadistic ruler who enjoys causing pain and suffering to others. He is also very powerful and is able to defeat Link in battle. I think that Zant is a very underrated villain and he deserves more attention.
