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{{hatnote|This article is about the eponymous character of {{TLoZ|-}} franchise. For the video-game series named after her, see {{TLoZ|Series}}. For other uses, see [[Zelda (disambiguation)]].}}
{{Character
 
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{{Infobox Character
|name= Princess Zelda
 
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|image=
|image= [[File:BotW Zelda Artwork.png|x200px]]
 
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{{Media
|caption= Artwork of Zelda from ''Breath of the Wild''
 
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|Artwork TLoZ= File:TLoZ Princess Zelda Artwork.png
|title= Princess of Hyrule<ref name=triforceoot/><ref name=tmc/><br>Princess of Destiny<ref name=destiny/><br>Her Majesty<ref>{{Cite|Yes, we plucked Her Majesty from her perch in the clouds, and now she's ours.|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref><br>Spirit Maiden<ref>{{Cite|The spirit maiden who descended from the clouds must travel to two sacred places to purify her body.|Fi|SS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|The spirit maiden, ever mindful of the heavy task entrusted to her, has set out for this second sacred place.|Fi|SS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I heard my underlings had finally captured the spirit maiden, so of course I rushed over here.|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref>
 
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|Artwork TAoL= File:TAoL Princess Zelda and Prince of Hyrule Artwork.png
|race= [[Hylian]]
 
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|Artwork ALttP= File:Link To The Past Remake - Princess Zelda.png
|gender= Female
 
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|Artwork OoT= File:OoT Adult Zelda Artwork.png
|game= {{TLoZ}}<br>{{TAoL}}<br>{{ALttP}}<br>{{OoT}}<br>{{MM}}<br>{{OoA}}<br>{{OoS}}<br>{{FS}}<br>{{TWW}}<br>{{FSA}}<br>{{TMC}}<br>{{TP}}<br>{{PH}}<br>{{ST}}<br>{{SS}}<br>{{ALBW}}<br>{{BotW}}
 
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|Artwork OoT3D= File:Young Princess Zelda OoT3D.png
|other= {{HW}}<br>[[Super Smash Bros. Series|''Super Smash Bros. series]]<br>[[The Legend of Zelda (TV series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' animated series]]<br>[[The Legend of Zelda (Comic)|''The Legend of Zelda'' comic]]<br>''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]''<br>[[Nintendo Adventure Books]]<br>[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Comic)|''A Link to the Past'' comic]]<br>[[Philips CD-i Games]]<br>{{Manga|OoT}}
 
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|Artwork OoS= File:OoS Zelda Artwork.png
|family= [[Royal Family of Hyrule]]
 
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|Artwork OoA= File:OoA Zelda Artwork.png
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 
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|Artwork FS= File:FS Princess Zelda Artwork.png
List by game
 
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|Artwork TWW= File:TWW Princess Zelda Artwork.png
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 
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|Artwork TWWHD= File:TWWHD Princess Zelda Artwork.png
<small>'''''The Adventure of Link:'''''</small><br>[[King of Hyrule (The Adventure of Link)|King of Hyrule]] <small>(father)</small><br>[[Prince of Hyrule]] <small>(brother)</small><br><small>'''''Valiant Comics & CD-i Games:'''''</small><br>[[Harkinian]] <small>(father)</small><br><small>'''''A Link to the Past:'''''</small><br>[[Royal Family of Hyrule#A Link to the Past|King of Hyrule]] <small>(father)</small><br><small>'''''Ocarina of Time:'''''</small><br>[[Royal Family of Hyrule#Ocarina of Time|King of Hyrule]] <small>(father)</small><br><small>'''''The Wind Waker:'''''</small><br>[[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]] <small>(ancestor)</small><br>[[Princess Zelda#Antediluvian Princess|Antediluvian princess]] <small>(ancestor)</small><br>[[Tetra's Mother]]<br><small>'''''The Minish Cap:'''''</small><br>[[King Daltus]] <small>(father)</small><br>[[King Gustaf]] <small>(ancestor)</small><br><small>'''''Spirit Tracks:'''''</small><br>[[Tetra]] <small> (great-great grandmother)</small><ref name=spirittracks/><br><small>'''''Skyward Sword:'''''</small><br>[[Gaepora]] <small> (father)</small> <br>'''''Breath of the Wild:'''''<br>[[King Rhoam|Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule]] <small>(father)</small>
 
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|Artwork TMC= File:TMC Princess Zelda Artwork.png
</div></div>
 
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|Artwork TPHD= File:TPHD Zelda Artwork.png
|voice actor(s)= '''[[List of Voice Actors#Princess Zelda|List of voice actresses]]'''
 
|theme music= [[File:Zelda's Theme.ogg|noicon]]
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|Artwork ST= File:ST Princess Zelda Artwork.png
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|Artwork SS= File:SS Zelda Artwork.png
|counter= [[Princess Hilda]]
 
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|Artwork ALBW= File:ALBW Princess Zelda Artwork.png
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|Artwork BotW= File:BotW Zelda Artwork.png
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|Artwork TotK= File:TotK Princess Zelda Artwork.png
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|Render OoT3D= File:OoT3D Young Princess Zelda Render.png
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|Render TP= File:TP Princess Zelda Render.png
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|Model OoT= File:OoT Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Model OoT3D= File:OoT3D Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Model MM= File:MM Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Model MM3D= File:MM3D Princess Zelda Model.jpg
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|Model TWW= File:TWW Princess Zelda Figurine Model.png
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|Model TWWHD= File:TWWHD Princess Zelda Model.jpg
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|Model TP= File:TP Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Model TPHD= File:TPHD Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Model ST= File:ST Princess Zelda Model 2.png
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|Model SS= File:SS Zelda Model.png
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|Model SSHD= File:SSHD Zelda Model.png
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|Model ALBW= File:ALBW Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Model BotW= File:BotW Zelda Model 3.png
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|Model TotK= File:TotK Princess Zelda Model.png
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|Sprite TLoZ= File:TLoZ Princess Zelda Sprite.png
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|Sprite TAoL= File:TAoL Princess Zelda Awoken Sprite.png
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|Sprite ALttP= File:ZeldaALttPDungeon.png
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|Sprite OoS= File:OoS Zelda Sprite.png
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|Sprite OoA= File:OoA Zelda Sprite.png
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|Sprite FS= File:FS Princess Zelda Sprite.png
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|Sprite FSA= File:FSA Princess Zelda Sprite.png
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|Sprite TMC= File:TMC Princess Zelda Sprite.png
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|Sprite SS= File:SS Zelda Icon.png
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|Sprite SSHD= File:SSHD Zelda Icon.png
 
}}
 
}}
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|caption=
'''Princess Zelda''' (pronounced {{IPA|ˈzɛl.də}} {{respell|ZEL|də}})<ref>{{cite|Zelda|Announcer|SSBB}}</ref> is the [[Wikipedia:Eponym|eponymous]] name commonly given to the females born into the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]] in [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]].<ref name=naming_tradition>{{cite book|quote=Many members of the royal family were born with special powers because of the lineage that connected them to the goddess. Princesses were repeatedly given the name Zelda, a name that came from the historical legends.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|page=77|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref> With the exception of {{LA}}, {{MM}}, and {{TFH}}, an incarnation of Zelda or one of her alter egos has always been one of the central characters in the series.
 
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|pronunciation= {{IPA|ˈzɛldə}} {{respell|ZEL|də}}<ref>{{Cite|Zelda|Announcer|SSBB}}</ref>
 
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|title=
Each incarnation of Zelda has been shown at various ages depending upon which title they appear in. They have appeared as a child, a teenager and as a young adult; for example, the Princess Zelda in {{TP}} is around 20 years of age.<ref>{{Cite book|quote=Princess Zelda is about 20 years old, and is the queen-in-waiting of Hyrule. |book=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii Version) -- Collector's Edition ISBN 0761555730 |publisher= Prima Games |page=16}}</ref>
 
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{{Infobox Game Blocks
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|Series= Princess of Legend<ref name="E 16">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 16}}</ref>
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|TAoL= Ancient Princess<ref name="E 17">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 17}}</ref>
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|ALttP= Princess of Light<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 94 }}</ref>, Triforce Guide<ref name="E 16"/>
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|OoT= Princess of Hyrule<ref name="Seventh Sage">{{Cite|And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom...is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>, Princess of Destiny<ref name="Destiny">{{Cite|Link... Go now to Hyrule Castle... There, thou will surely meet the Princess of Destiny...|Great Deku Tree|OoT}}</ref>, Master of Disguise Who Manipulates Time<ref name="E 16"/>
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|OoS= Holy Sacrifice<ref>{{Cite|The Flames of Sorrow, Destruction and Despair burn brightly. The return of the Evil King {{Color|OoS Blue|Ganon}} approaches. The Holy Sacrifice, {{Color|OoS Blue|Zelda}}, is all that remains! When we call {{Color|OoS Blue|Ganon's}} spirit into the vessel, it will be done! You can't stop us! Prepare to meet your doom!|Twinrova|OoS}}</ref>, Hope of Her People<ref name="E 17"/>, Royal Princess of Hyrule<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= |game= OoS|page= 7}}</ref>
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|OoA= Holy Sacrifice<ref>{{Cite|The Flames of Sorrow, Destruction and Despair burn brightly. The return of the Evil King {{Color|OoA Blue|Ganon}} approaches. The Holy Sacrifice, {{Color|OoA Blue|Zelda}}, is all that remains! When we call {{Color|OoA Blue|Ganon's}} spirit into the vessel, it will be done! You can't stop us! Prepare to meet your doom!|Twinrova|OoA}}</ref>, Hope of Her People<ref name="E 17"/>, Royal Princess of Hyrule<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= |game= OoA|page= 7}}</ref>
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|FS= Four Sword Protector, Beloved Even by Demons<ref name="E 16"/>
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|TWW= Leader to a New World<ref name="E 17"/>
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|FSA= Light of the Kingdom<ref name="E 17"/>
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|TP= Peacemaker with Twilight<ref name="E 17"/>
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|ST= Spirit Who Fought alongside Link<ref name="E 17"/>, Your Highness<ref>{{Cite|We're wasting our time here, Your Highness!|Cole|ST}}</ref>
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|SS= Her Majesty<ref>{{Cite|Yes, we plucked Her Majesty from her perch in the clouds, and now she's ours.|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref>, Goddess Zelda<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 11}}</ref>, The Reborn Goddess Hylia<ref name="E 16"/>
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|ALBW= Princess as Beautiful as a Painting<ref name="E 17"/>
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|BotW= The Princess who Sealed Calamity Ganon<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= CaC |publisher= |page= 67 }}</ref>, Lady Zelda<ref>{{Cite|Lady Zelda gave me specific instructions. She asked me to wait to show you this.|Impa|BotW}}</ref>, Princess of Hyrule<ref>{{Cite|They do indeed... If I recall correctly, it was called the {{Color|BotW Red|sword that seals the darkness}}. The Princess of Hyrule supposedly hid it away in {{Color|BotW Blue|a forest somewhere}}.|Riju|BotW}}</ref>
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|TotK= Princess of Hyrule, The Sage of Time, Light Dragon
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|TCT= Triforce Protector<ref name="TCT 0">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= TCT|publisher= |page= 0}}</ref>
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|HWAoC= Burgeoning Scholar{{,}} Princess<ref>{{Cite|{{Big|Zelda}}<br/>Burgeoning Scholar, Princess|N/A|HWAoC}}</ref>
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}}
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|alias= [[Sheik]]{{Exp Game|OoT}} <br/> [[Tetra]]{{Exp Game|TWW}} <br/> [[The Goddess Hylia|Goddess Hylia]]{{Exp Game|SS}}<br/>[[Light Dragon]]{{Exp Game|TotK}}
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|race= {{Term|Series|Hylian|link}}
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|gender= Female<ref name="E 16"/>
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|game= {{TLoZ}}, {{TAoL}}, {{ALttP}}, {{OoT}}, {{MM}}, {{OoS}}, {{OoA}}, {{FS}}, {{TWW}}, {{FSA}}, {{TMC}}, {{TP}}, {{PH}}, {{ST}}, {{SS}}, {{ALBW}}, {{BotW}}, {{TotK}}
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|other= {{TLoZ|TV Series}}, {{BoMC}}, {{CN}}, {{TLoZ|Valiant Comics|-}}, {{TCT}}, {{ALttP|Ishinomori|-}}, {{TSP}}, {{TFoE}}, {{TWoG}}, {{LA|Cagiva|-}}, {{ZA}}, {{SSBM}}, {{SSBB}}, {{OoT|Himekawa|-}}, {{HW}}, {{MNPTP}}, {{SSB4}}, {{SSBU}}, {{HWAoC}}
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|family=
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{{Infobox Game Blocks
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|Series= {{Term|Series|Royal Family of Hyrule|link}}
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|TAoL= {{Term|TAoL|King of Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(father)}}<ref name="E 223">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 223}}</ref>, {{Term|TAoL|Prince of Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(older brother)}}<ref name="E 223"/>
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|ALttP= {{Term|ALttP|King of Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(father)}}
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|OoT= {{Term|OoT3D|King of Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(father)}}
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|TWW= {{Term|TWWHD|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(ancestor)}}, {{Term|TWWHD|Antediluvian Princess|link}} {{Small|(ancestress)}}, {{Term|TWWHD|Tetra's Mother|link}} {{Small|(mother)}}
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|TMC= {{Term|TMC|King Daltus|link}} {{Small|(father)}}, {{Term|TMC|Gustaf|link}} {{Small|(ancestor)}}
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|ST= {{Term|ST|Tetra|link}} {{Small|(great-great-grandmother)}}<ref name="Grandchild">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 133}}</ref>
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|SS= {{Term|SS|Gaepora|link}} {{Small|(father)}}, {{Term|Series|Royal Family of Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(descendants)}}<ref>{{Cite Book|book= HH |publisher= |page= 77}}</ref>
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|BotW= {{Term|BotW|King Rhoam|link}} {{Small|(father)}}<ref>{{Cite|That princess was my own daughter... My dear Zelda.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref>, {{Term|BotW|Queen of Hyrule|link}} {{Small|(mother)}}<ref>{{Cite|And Mother said her own power would develop within me.|Princess Zelda|BotW}}</ref>, Unnamed grandmother<ref>{{Cite|Grandmother heard them—the voices from the spirit realm.|Princess Zelda|BotW}}</ref>
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|TLoZ (Valiant Comics)= {{Term|TLoZ (Valiant Comics)|King Harkinian|link}} {{Small|(father)}}
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|TFoE= {{Term|TFoE|King Harkinian|link}} {{Small|(father)}}
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|TWoG= {{Term|TWoG|King Harkinian|link}} {{Small|(father)}}
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|TotK= {{Term|TotK|King Rauru|link}} {{Small| (ancestor)}}, {{Term|TotK|Queen Sonia|link}} {{Small|(ancestress)}}, {{Term|TotK|Mineru|link}} {{Small|(indirect ancestress)}}
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}}
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|voiceactor= '''[[List of Voice Actors#Princess Zelda|List of voice actresses]]'''
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|theme=
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|counter= {{Term|ALBW|Princess Hilda|link}} {{Small|({{Term|ALBW|Lorulean|link}})}}<br/>{{Term|LA|Marin|link}}<br/>{{Term|TSA|Styla|link}}
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}}
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{{Term/Store|Zelda||SS, SSHD, BotW, SSBM, SSBB, HW, HWL, HWDE, SSBfN3DS, SSBfWU, SSBU, CoH, TCT, HWAoC}},{{Exp Game|SS, BotW, SSBM, SSBB, HWDE, SSBfWU, SSBU, CoH, TCT, HWAoC}}<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 293{{Exp Game|SS}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Zelda<br/>Burgeoning Scholar, Princess|Gallery|HWAoC}}</ref>{{Name Ref|SSHD, BotW, SSBM, SSBB, HWDE, SSBfN3DS, SSBfWU, SSBU, CoH, TCT}} traditionally {{Term/Store|Princess Zelda||Series, TLoZ, TAoL, ALttP, OoT, OoT3D, OoS, OoA, TWW, TWWHD, FS, FSA, TMC, TP, TPHD, ST, ALBW, BotW, TotK}},{{Exp Game|TLoZ, TAoL, ALttP, OoT, OoS, OoA, TWW, FS, FSA, TMC, TP, ST, ALBW, BotW, TotK}}<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 219,{{Exp Game|TLoZ}} 223,{{Exp Game|TAoL}} 227,{{Exp Game|ALttP}} 238,{{Exp Game|OoT}} 250,{{Exp Game|OoS}} 254,{{Exp Game|OoA}} 257,{{Exp Game|TWW}} 263,{{Exp Game|FS}} 265,{{Exp Game|FSA}} 270,{{Exp Game|TMC}} 276,{{Exp Game|TP}} 288{{Exp Game|ST}} & 299{{Exp Game|ALBW}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|The words of guidance you have been hearing since your awakening are from Princess Zelda herself.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref><ref name="TCT 0"/> is the eponymous character of {{TLoZ|Series}}. With the exception of {{LA}}, {{MM}}, and {{TFH}}, an incarnation of Zelda or one of her alter egos has always been one of the central characters in the series.
   
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Various Zeldas have appeared across the history of Hyrule. While each Zelda is a distinct individual, the "fundamental soul" of Zelda has endured from one incarnation to the next.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote="It's not like we're trying to plan ahead for those theories, but in the series, there's this idea of reincarnation in that Zelda and Link, as they appear in the different titles, they are not the same person per se, but there's sort of this fundamental soul that carries on."|retrieved=December 9, 2023|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2023/12/07/aonuma-and-fujibayashi-talk-tears-of-the-kingdoms-reception-and-their-approach|site = Game Informer}}</ref>
Early on in the [[Zelda Timeline|timeline of the series]], the original Zelda, while born as a Hylian, is the mortal incarnation of the [[Hylia|Goddess Hylia]].<ref name=goddess/> Carrying on this divine blood, her female descendants are often named after her and are always the [[Wikipedia:Crown prince|crown princess]] of [[Hyrule]] throughout its history.<ref name=triforceoot>{{cite|And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom...is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name=tmc>{{cite manual|quote=Princess Zelda / The princess of Hyrule and a longtime friend of Link.|game=The Minish Cap|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite manual|quote=Princess Zelda / The King's daughter, Hyrule's princess.|game=Ocarina of Time|page=7}}</ref><ref name=loz>{{cite manual|quote=Fearing his wicked rule, Zelda, the princess of this kingdom, split up the Triforce of Wisdom into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm to save the last remaining Triforce from the clutches of the evil Ganon.|game=The Legend of Zelda|page=3}}</ref><ref name=twwTrueHeir>{{cite|You are the true heir of the royal family of Hyrule...the last link in the bloodline.|King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> Several princesses within the bloodline are also the possessor of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]], imbued with the essence of the Goddess [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]].<ref name=triforceoot/><ref name=triforcetp>{{cite|Like you, I have been granted special powers by the goddesses...|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref><ref>{{cite|This necklace you wear is part of a sacred treasure called the Triforce of Wisdom, which has been passed down for many ages within the royal family of Hyrule.|King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> The essence of Nayru affords each Zelda divine wisdom, allowing them to discern the wisest decisions, especially in situations concerning the welfare of Hyrule. It grants them a myriad of mystical abilities, including the ability to heal others, though there is a possibility that this could also be an effect of their bloodline passing down Hylia's own powers and, later, the [[Light Force]].
 
   
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== Characteristics ==
{{clear|left}}
 
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=== Physical appearance ===
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Princess Zelda is slender and light-skinned, but her age varies between versions and she is always either a child, teen, or young adult. Her hair color is depicted as blonde in most games of the series, as well as brown in {{TP}} and red in {{TLoZ}} and {{TAoL}}. Her eyes are portrayed in different shades of blue throughout all the games, with the exception of her green eyes in {{BotW}}. Her ears are always pointed, as is characteristic of all [[Hylian]]s, although in some games her ears are shorter than in others. Princess Zelda is often shown as a beautiful and elegant princess, with the exception of {{SS}}, where she is portrayed as an ordinary girl before the kingdom of Hyrule had been established. The dresses that she wears are long with determinate colors, such as different tones of pink, white, and blue. Most of her dresses are shown with the [[Hylian Crest]], and in almost every game, she is seen wearing a tiara with either a red, pink, or blue jewel in it. In some games, she also wears long gloves. Princess Zelda is seen wearing makeup in most games, such as in {{TWW}} and {{ST}}, and her hairstyle is characterized either with her hair down or with braids. She wears high heels, although in {{TP|-}}, {{SS|-}}, and {{BotW|-}} she wears boots. She also occasionally wears sandals, such as in {{SS|-}} and {{BotW|-}}. Each incarnation of Zelda has been shown at various ages depending on which title she appears in. She has appeared as a child, a teenager and as a young adult; for example, the Princess Zelda in {{TP}} is around 20 years of age,<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= TP |publisher= Prima |page= 16}}</ref> and the one in {{BotW}} is depicted as 16 and 17 years old during flashbacks, and 117 at the time of the game.<ref>{{Cite|Tomorrow...is my seventeenth birthday. So then I shall go... and make my way up the mountain.|Princess Zelda|BotW}}</ref>
   
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=== Personality ===
==Physical traits==
 
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Zelda is depicted as a kind and benevolent ruler with a wisdom beyond her years and a deep love towards the people she watches over. She is a caring, gracious, and self-sacrificing person.<ref>{{Cite|Everything that's happened to you and your poor sister... It's all been my fault....I'm so sorry.|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing... I was so young...I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my mistakes...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Zelda's most prominent display of compassion and selflessness was when she saved the life of [[Midna]], the Princess of the [[Twilight Realm]], who had been nearly killed by the false King of the Twilight, [[Zant]].<ref name="Midna">{{Cite|Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you...|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref> Zelda's wisdom is her most valuable attribute. As a matriarch, it is imperative that she makes the wisest decision concerning the fate of Hyrule; in {{TP}} when Zant threatened her life and the lives of all of her subjects, she wisely surrendered to him.<ref name="Surrender">{{Cite|It is time for you to choose: surrender or die. Oh yes, a question for all the land and people of Hyrule... Life? or Death?!|Zant|TP}}</ref> She upholds her responsibilities no matter the cost and is always willing to help her friends, such as in {{SS}}, where Zelda faces her duties as the goddess reborn and willingly remains in a deep sleep to keep [[Demise]] imprisoned within his seal.<ref name="DemiseSeal">{{Cite|We must stop him from freeing himself from the seal that imprisons him. At any cost... That is why I intend to remain here in this time and place... To sustain the seal as best as I can. As long as I continue this vigil, we may be able to prevent the demon king from fully reviving himself in our own time.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> Above all, Zelda is known to be a forgiving person even towards those who have harmed her before, as seen in {{ST}}, where she asks [[Anjean]] to take care of [[Byrne]] even though he was the one who stole her body.<ref>{{Cite|Please make sure Byrne remains unharmed, Anjean.|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Are you sure, my dear? He is the one who stole your body, after all.|Anjean|ST}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Yes, but once I reclaim it... I would like to have words with him!|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref>
Princess Zelda is often shown as a beautiful and elegant princess (either as child, teen or young adult), except for {{SS}}, since she is never shown as a princess but as an incarnation of [[Hylia]]. In most of games she can also be compared to the description of a fair maiden. Her hair color is depicted as blonde in most games of the series, as well as brunette ({{TP}}), and even redhead ({{TLoZ}}, {{TAoL}}). Her eyes are always portrayed in different tones of blue throughout all the games. Her ears are pointy, as is characteristic to all [[Hylian]]s, although in some games her ears tend to be shorter than in others. The dresses that she always wears are long with determinate colors, such as different tones of pink, white and blue. Most of her dresses are shown with the [[Hylian Crest]], and in almost every game, she is seen wearing a tiara with either a red, pink or blue jewel in it. In some games, she also wears long gloves. Most of the time, Princess Zelda is seen wearing make up ({{TWW}}, {{ST}}), and her hairstyle is characterized either with her hair down or with braids. She wears high heels, although in ''Twilight Princess'' and ''Skyward Sword'', she wears boots.
 
   
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Princess Zelda is one of the three most important characters of {{TLoZ|-}} series, which is also why her name appears in the title of every game. Princess Zelda first appeared in the original {{TLoZ}}, and has since been featured in every subsequent game, with the exception of {{LA}}. Each incarnation of the Princess is chosen by destiny to be the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom in each respective era, which is the main reason she plays such an integral role in the legends of Hyrule.
==Personality==
 
Zelda is depicted as a kind and benevolent ruler with a wisdom beyond her years and a deep love towards the people she watches over. She is a caring, graceful and self-sacrificing person.<ref>{{cite|Everything that's happened to you and your poor sister... It's all been my fault....I'm so sorry.|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{cite|All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing... I was so young...I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my mistakes...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Zelda's most prominent display of compassion and selflessness was when she saved the life of [[Midna]], the Princess of the [[Twilight Realm]], who had been nearly killed by the false King of the Twilight, [[Zant]].<ref name=midna>{{cite|Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you...|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref> Zelda's wisdom is her most valuable attribute. As a matriarch, it is imperative that she make the wisest decision concerning the fate of Hyrule; in {{TP}} when Zant threatened her life and the lives of all of her subjects, she wisely surrendered to him.<ref name=zant>{{Cite|It is time for you to choose: surrender or die. Oh yes, a question for all the land and people of Hyrule... Life? or Death?!|Zant|TP}}</ref> She upholds her responsibilities no matter the cost and is always willing to help her friends, such as in {{SS}}, where Zelda faces her duties as the goddess reborn and willingly remains in a deep sleep to keep [[Demise]] imprisoned within his seal.<ref name="DemiseSeal">{{cite|We must stop him from freeing himself from the seal that imprisons him. At any cost... That is why I intend to remain here in this time and place... To sustain the seal as best as I can. As long as I continue this vigil, we may be able to prevent the demon king from fully reviving himself in our own time.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> Above all, Zelda is known to be a forgiving person even towards those who have harmed her before, as seen in {{ST}}, where she asks [[Anjean]] to take care of [[Byrne]] even though he was the one who stole her body.<ref>{{cite|'''Princess Zelda:''' ''Please make sure Byrne remains unharmed, Anjean.''<br>'''Anjean:''' ''Are you sure, my dear? He is the one who stole your body, after all.''<br>'''Princess Zelda:''' ''Yes, but once I reclaim it... I would like to have words with him!''|Princess Zelda and Anjean|ST}}</ref>
 
   
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=== Abilities ===
Princess Zelda is one of the three most important characters of [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]], which is also why her name appears in the title of every game. Princess Zelda first appeared in the original {{TLoZ}}, and has since been featured in every subsequent game, with the exception of {{LA}}. Each Princess is chosen by destiny to be the keeper of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]] in their era, which is the main reason why they play such an integral role in the legends of Hyrule.
 
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[[File:Tp lightarrow1.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Princess Zelda calls upon the power of the Light Spirits in {{TP|-}}]]
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Throughout the series, Princess Zelda portrays various types of both magical and physical abilities, ranging from capably wielding a bow<ref name="Bow">{{Cite|I'll use this bow to cover you! Attack him as best you can!|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref> to telepathy, as seen in {{ALttP|-}}'s introduction when she pleads for Link's help.<ref name="Plead">{{Cite Manual|quote=One night, a girl's voice awakens you from your sleep. She telepathically pleads. "Help me... My name is Zelda... I am in the castle dungeon."|page=7|game= ALttP}}</ref>
   
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Early on in the [[Zelda Timeline|timeline of the series]], the original Zelda, while born as a Hylian, is the mortal incarnation of the [[Hylia|Goddess Hylia]].<ref name="Reborn">{{Cite|You are the chosen hero, and I, Zelda... I am the goddess reborn as a mortal.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> Carrying on this divine blood, her female descendants are always the {{Wp|Crown prince|crown princess}} of [[Hyrule]] throughout its history.<ref name="Seventh Sage"/><ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Princess Zelda / The princess of Hyrule and a longtime friend of Link.|game=TMC|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Princess Zelda / The King's daughter, Hyrule's princess.|game= OoT|page=7}}</ref><ref name="Fragments">{{Cite Manual|quote=Fearing his wicked rule, Zelda, the princess of this kingdom, split up the Triforce of Wisdom into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm to save the last remaining Triforce from the clutches of the evil Ganon.|game= TLoZ|page=3}}</ref><ref name="True Heir">{{Cite|You are the true heir of the royal family of Hyrule...the last link in the bloodline.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> Several princesses within the bloodline are also the possessor of the [[Triforce of Wisdom]], imbued with the essence of the Goddess [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]].<ref name="Seventh Sage"/><ref name="Special Powers">{{Cite|Like you, I have been granted special powers by the goddesses...|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|This necklace you wear is part of a sacred treasure called the Triforce of Wisdom, which has been passed down for many ages within the royal family of Hyrule.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> The essence of Nayru affords each Zelda divine wisdom, allowing her to discern the wisest decisions, especially in situations concerning the welfare of Hyrule. It grants her myriad mystical abilities, including the ability to heal others, though there is a possibility that this could also be an effect of her bloodline passing down Hylia's own powers and, later, the [[Light Force]]. Each incarnation of Zelda uses her powers to keep evil in check. Aside from these abilities, Zelda is shown to be a skilled scholar and researcher, as seen in ''Breath of the Wild''.
==Abilities==
 
[[File:Tp lightarrow1.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Princess Zelda calls upon the power of the Light Spirits in ''Twilight Princess'']]Throughout the series, Princess Zelda portrays various types of both magical and physical abilities, ranging from capably wielding a bow<ref name=bow>{{cite|I'll use this bow to cover you! Attack him as best you can!|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref> to telepathy, as seen in ''A Link to the Past's'' introduction when she pleads for Link's help.<ref name=telepathy>{{cite manual|quote=One night, a girl's voice awakens you from your sleep. She telepathically pleads. "Help me... My name is Zelda... I am in the castle dungeon."|page=7|game=A Link to the Past}}</ref>
 
   
Many of her abilities as both a Sage and the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom are widely illustrated in ''Ocarina of Time'', one of them being that she has prophetic visions in her dreams.<ref>{{cite|Hey, have you heard that Princess Zelda sees prophetic visions in her dreams?|A man in the market|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{cite|I had a dream... In the dream, dark storm clouds were billowing over the land of Hyrule... But suddenly, a ray of light shot out of the forest, parted the clouds and lit up the ground... The light turned into a figure holding a green and shining stone, followed by a fairy... I know this is a prophecy that someone would come from the forest...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> She also helps Link in their escape from [[Ganon's Castle]] by using her powers to magically remove the barriers blocking the exits. During the final battle between Link and Ganon, Princess Zelda uses her powers to restrain the King of Evil as Link delivers the final blow.<ref>{{cite|I'm using my power to hold the Evil King! You use your sword and deliver the final blow!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Being the seventh [[Sage]], she is the ruler of the rest of the six Sages, and it is with her guidance that the Sages seal Ganon in the void of the [[Sacred Realm#Ocarina of Time|Evil Realm]].<ref name="triforceoot"/><ref>{{cite|Six Sages... Now!!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Finally, with her powers as a Sage, she is capable of returning Link to his original time by simply using the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]].<ref>{{cite|Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
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Many of her abilities as both a [[Sage]] and the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom are widely illustrated in {{OoT|-}}, one of them being that she has prophetic visions in her dreams.<ref>{{Cite|Hey, have you heard that Princess Zelda sees prophetic visions in her dreams?|Hylian|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I had a dream... In the dream, dark storm clouds were billowing over the land of Hyrule... But suddenly, a ray of light shot out of the forest, parted the clouds and lit up the ground... The light turned into a figure holding a green and shining stone, followed by a fairy... I know this is a prophecy that someone would come from the forest...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> She also helps Link in their escape from [[Ganon's Castle]] by using her powers to magically remove the barriers blocking the exits. During the final battle between Link and Ganon, Princess Zelda uses her powers to restrain the King of Evil as Link delivers the final blow.<ref>{{Cite|I'm using my power to hold the Evil King! You use your sword and deliver the final blow!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Being the seventh Sage, she is the ruler of the rest of the six Sages, and it is with her guidance that the Sages seal Ganon in the void of the [[Sacred Realm#Ocarina of Time|Evil Realm]].<ref name="Seventh Sage"/><ref>{{Cite|Six Sages... Now!!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Finally, with her powers as a Sage, she is capable of returning Link to his original time by simply using the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]].<ref>{{Cite|Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
   
Some of Princess Zelda's physical abilities are demonstrated in games such as {{TWW}}, {{TP}} and {{ST}}. In ''The Wind Waker'', Princess Zelda aids Link in battling Ganondorf by borrowing the young hero's bow and using it to fire [[Light Arrow]]s at the King of the Gerudo.<ref name=bow/> This skill is again portrayed in the final battle of ''Twilight Princess'', where the princess yet again uses a bow and Light Arrows to strike Ganondorf while accompanying Link on his horse,<ref name=lightarrows>{{cite|I'll try to slow Ganondorf with my light arrows! You target him and keep him within range of my arrows!|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref> and once more in the final battle against [[Malladus]] in ''Spirit Tracks''. In one scene of ''Twilight Princess'', Princess Zelda is seen wielding a sword, although it is unknown whether she possessed any true sword skills.
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Some of Princess Zelda's physical abilities are demonstrated in games such as {{TWW}}, {{TP}} and {{ST}}. In {{TWW|-}}, Princess Zelda aids Link in battling Ganondorf by borrowing the young hero's bow and using it to fire [[Light Arrow]]s at the King of the Gerudo.<ref name="Bow"/> This skill is again portrayed in the final battle of {{TP|-}}, where the princess yet again uses a bow and Light Arrows to strike Ganondorf while accompanying Link on his horse,<ref name="Light Arrows">{{Cite|I'll try to slow Ganondorf with my light arrows! You target him and keep him within range of my arrows!|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref> and once more in the final battle against [[Malladus]] in {{ST|-}}. In {{TP|-}}, Princess Zelda is seen wielding a rapier, although it is unknown if she possesses any true sword skills since she uses it in battle only after being possessed by Ganondorf.
   
As shown in ''Twilight Princess'', Princess Zelda is capable of communicating with the [[Light Spirits]]. Just as the princess and Link are about to be attacked by Ganondorf's ghostly army, Zelda calls upon the Light Spirits to aid her in her time of need, in which the spirits grant her the Light Arrow to banish evil.<ref name=spirits>{{cite|Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and wide upon the lands of our world... In my hour of need, grant me the light to banish evil!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
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As shown in {{TP|-}}, Princess Zelda is capable of communicating with the [[Light Spirits]]. Just as the princess and Link are about to be trampled by Ganondorf's ghostly army, Zelda calls upon the Light Spirits to aid her in her time of need, and the spirits grant her the Light Arrow to banish evil.<ref name="Spirits">{{Cite|Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and wide upon the lands of our world... In my hour of need, grant me the light to banish evil!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
   
In ''Spirit Tracks'', Princess Zelda can possess a [[Phantom#Spirit Tracks|Phantom]]'s body after Link strikes it with a powered-up sword or the [[Lokomo Sword]]. While in this state, the princess can help out Link solve various puzzles as well as cross certain obstacles that the young hero cannot do by himself.<ref>{{cite|Hey, look! Now that I'm a Phantom, I can walk through fire and lava! Hee hee hee! I'm like a walking, talking shield, Link!|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> Moreover, due to the Phantom's armor, she can also protect Link from attacks or use her strength to fight alongside Link and help him defeat enemies, as seen when fighting [[Geozard]]s or [[Byrne]].
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In {{ST|-}}, Princess Zelda can possess a {{Term|ST|Phantom|link}}'s body after Link strikes it with a powered-up sword or the [[Lokomo Sword]]. While in this state, the princess can help Link solve various puzzles as well as cross certain obstacles that the young hero cannot traverse by himself.<ref>{{Cite|Hey, look! Now that I'm a Phantom, I can walk through fire and lava! Hee hee hee! I'm like a walking, talking shield, Link!|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> Moreover, due to the Phantom's armor, she can also protect Link from attacks or use her strength to fight alongside Link and help him defeat enemies, as seen when fighting [[Geozard]]s or [[Byrne]].
   
 
==Naming Tradition and Law==
 
==Naming Tradition and Law==
 
===Origin===
 
===Origin===
It was revealed by [[Hyrule Historia]] that when the kingdom of Hyrule was established during the [[Zelda Timeline#The Era of Prosperity|Era of Prosperity]], the queens were often named Zelda after their ancestor, the [[Princess Zelda#Skyward Sword|mortal incarnation of the Goddess Hylia]], from the events of ''Skyward Sword''.<ref name=naming_tradition/>
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It was revealed in {{TAoL}} and confirmed by {{HH}} that when the kingdom of Hyrule was established during the [[Era of Prosperity]], the daughters of the Royal Family were often named Zelda after their ancestor, the [[Princess Zelda#Skyward Sword|mortal incarnation of the Goddess Hylia]], from the events of {{SS|-}}.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= |game= TAoL|page= 8}}</ref><ref name="Lineage">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 77}}</ref>
   
 
===The Tragedy of "Princess Zelda I"===
 
===The Tragedy of "Princess Zelda I"===
[[File:Zelda AoL 1.gif|left]]{{RelatedPage|Sleeping Zelda}}
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[[File:TAoL Princess Zelda Sleeping Sprite.png|left]]
While she was not the first Princess Zelda in the history of Hyrule, she was the first in a long line of princesses to be named Zelda by law and not tradition after she was put into a deep sleep for many generations. Her brother, the [[Prince of Hyrule]] at the end of its [[Zelda Timeline#Golden Era|Golden Era]], who was partly to blame for her comatose state, decided that, in honor of his sister, every princess born in to the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]] should be named Zelda.<ref name=zeldas/><ref>{{cite book|quote=Though the land of Hyrule had seen other princesses bearing the name of Zelda, it was Princess Zelda I who inspired the custom of calling every princess by that name. In the eras that follow her tragic fate, the royal family never fail to name their daughters Zelda.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|publisher=Dark Horse Books|page=105 }}</ref>
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While she was not the first Princess Zelda in the history of Hyrule, she was the first in a long line of princesses to be named Zelda by law and not tradition after she was put into a deep sleep for many generations. Her brother, the [[Prince of Hyrule]] at the end of its [[Golden Era]], who was partly to blame for her comatose state, decided that, in honor of his sister, every princess born into the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]] should be named Zelda.<ref name="Tragedy">{{Cite Manual|quote= In his grief, the prince placed the princess in this room. He hoped that someday she would come back to life. So that this tragedy would never be forgotten, he ordered that every female child born into the royal household shall be given the name Zelda.|game= TAoL|page= 8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 105}}</ref>
   
 
==Unified Timeline==
 
==Unified Timeline==
===''Skyward Sword''===
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==={{SS|-}}===
[[File:Zelda-Art-Medium.png|right|150px]]
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[[File:SS Zelda Loftwing Artwork.png|right|150px|link=Special:FilePath/SS_Loftwing_Artwork.png]]
The Zelda in ''Skyward Sword'' is the eleventh Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and currently the earliest incarnation of Zelda chronologically to appear in-game.
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The Zelda in {{SS}} is the eleventh Zelda appearing in {{TLoZ|-}} series, and is currently the earliest incarnation of Zelda chronologically to appear in-game.
   
In {{SS}}, Zelda, daughter of [[Gaepora]], lives in [[Skyloft]] with her childhood friend [[Link]],<ref>{{cite|You've been friends since you were kids? Big deal. It doesn't change the fact that you float through life with your head in the clouds.|Groose|SS}}</ref> where they are both students at the [[Knight Academy]].<ref>{{cite|He's a student at the academy, like all of us.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> After playing the role of the [[Hylia|goddess]] at the [[Wing Ceremony]], Link and Zelda go for a flight together, when suddenly a twister pulls Zelda and her [[Loftwing]] below the clouds. This phenomena is later confirmed to have been caused by [[Ghirahim]] since he needs Zelda's soul to resurrect [[Demise]], his master.<ref>{{cite|I thought that tornado I stirred up would have tossed and torn you apart, yet here you are. Not in pieces.|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref><ref>{{cite|But the past...oh, the past... So full of possibilities. I shall resurrect him there with the divine soul of this golden-haired girl!|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref> Upon Zelda's arrival on [[Hyrule|the Surface]], however, she is rescued by [[Impa]] before the Demon Lord can capture her.<ref>{{cite|The one you saw by Zelda's side is known as Impa. She is a being sent forth by the goddess to aid Zelda in her quest.|Impa|SS}}</ref> Link then begins to look for Zelda and eventually finds her in the [[Earth Spring]], but Impa impedes him from reaching the young girl,<ref>{{cite|You cannot go to him, Your Grace. Remember what we discussed. Restrain yourself. Focus on the task at hand.|Impa|SS}}</ref> and instead urges Zelda to continue praying at each goddess statue to finish purifying her body.<ref>{{Cite|I set out to pray at the goddess statues located in each temple across the land. Each statue stirred up memories within me. After I visited them all, Impa, an agent of the goddess, led me here...to the past.|Zelda|SS}}</ref><ref>{{cite|The spirit maiden who descended from the clouds must travel to two sacred places to purify her body.|Fi|SS}}</ref>
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In {{SS|-}}, Zelda, daughter of [[Gaepora]], lives in [[Skyloft]] with her childhood friend [[Link]],<ref>{{Cite|You've been friends since you were kids? Big deal. It doesn't change the fact that you float through life with your head in the clouds.|Groose|SS}}</ref> where they are both students at the [[Knight Academy]].<ref>{{Cite|He's a student at the academy, like all of us.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> After playing the role of the [[Hylia|goddess]] at the [[Wing Ceremony]], Link and Zelda go for a flight together, when suddenly a twister pulls Zelda and her [[Loftwing]] below the clouds. This phenomenon is later revealed to have been caused by [[Ghirahim]], who needs Zelda's soul to resurrect [[Demise]], his master.<ref>{{Cite|I thought that tornado I stirred up would have tossed and torn you apart, yet here you are. Not in pieces.|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|But the past...oh, the past... So full of possibilities. I shall resurrect him there with the divine soul of this golden-haired girl!|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref> Upon Zelda's arrival on [[Hyrule|the Surface]], however, she is rescued by [[Impa]] before the Demon Lord can capture her.<ref>{{Cite|The one you saw by Zelda's side is known as Impa. She is a being sent forth by the goddess to aid Zelda in her quest.|Impa|SS}}</ref> Link then begins to look for Zelda and eventually finds her in the [[Earth Spring]], but Impa impedes him from reaching the young girl,<ref>{{Cite|You cannot go to him, Your Grace. Remember what we discussed. Restrain yourself. Focus on the task at hand.|Impa|SS}}</ref> and instead urges Zelda to continue praying at each goddess statue to finish purifying her body.<ref>{{Cite|I set out to pray at the goddess statues located in each temple across the land. Each statue stirred up memories within me. After I visited them all, Impa, an agent of the goddess, led me here...to the past.|Zelda|SS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|The spirit maiden who descended from the clouds must travel to two sacred places to purify her body.|Fi|SS}}</ref>
   
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[[File:Zelda Skyward Sword.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Zelda, as seen in-game]]
Eventually, Link catches up with Zelda and Impa at the [[Temple of Time]], but their reunion is cut short when Ghirahim attacks the duo. In the frenetic action going on, Zelda gives Link the [[Goddess's Harp]] before Impa and her escape through the [[Gate of Time]], with Impa destroying the gate so as to escape Ghirahim's grasp. Link manages to activate a second Gate of Time and meets with Zelda, who explains her true nature as the mortal reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia<ref name=goddess>{{cite|You are the chosen hero, and I, Zelda... I am the goddess reborn as a mortal.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> before telling Link that she, as Hylia reborn, must remain in a deep sleep to keep Demise imprisoned within his seal.<ref name="DemiseSeal"/> Before doing so, Zelda explains that the goddess needed someone with an "unbreakable spirit" to defeat Demise.<ref>{{cite|To face Demise and bring hope back to the land, the goddess Hylia needed someone with an unbreakable spirit. That someone is you, [Link].|Zelda|SS}}</ref> However, Hylia, knowing that the young hero would "throw [himself] headfirst into any danger, without even a moment's doubt" if it meant saving Zelda,<ref>{{cite|I knew that if it meant saving Zelda, you would throw yourself headfirst into any danger, without even a moment's doubt... I... I used you.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> used Link to try and bring about the destruction of Demise. She proceeds to seal herself into a crystal and sleep for thousands of years to ensure Demise's imprisonment holds, and tells Link that he must find and use the Triforce to destroy Demise so that she will be able to wake up in their own time.<ref>{{cite|When Demise is finally gone, there will be no more need for the seal that binds him, and then I'll be able to wake up.|Zelda|SS}}</ref>
 
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Eventually, Link catches up with Zelda and Impa at the [[Temple of Time]], but their reunion is cut short when Ghirahim attacks the duo. In the midst of the frenetic action, Zelda gives Link the [[Goddess's Harp]] before she and Impa escape through the [[Gate of Time]], with Impa destroying the gate to escape Ghirahim's grasp. Link manages to activate a second Gate of Time and meets with Zelda, who explains her true nature as the mortal reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia before telling Link that she,<ref name="Reborn"/> as Hylia reborn, must remain in a deep sleep to keep Demise imprisoned within his seal.<ref name="DemiseSeal"/> Before doing so, Zelda explains that the goddess needed someone with an "unbreakable spirit" to defeat Demise.<ref>{{Cite|To face Demise and bring hope back to the land, the goddess Hylia needed someone with an unbreakable spirit. That someone is you, [Link].|Zelda|SS}}</ref> However, Hylia, knowing that the young hero would "throw [himself] headfirst into any danger, without even a moment's doubt" if it meant saving Zelda,<ref>{{Cite|I knew that if it meant saving Zelda, you would throw yourself headfirst into any danger, without even a moment's doubt... I... I used you.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> used Link to try and bring about the destruction of Demise. She proceeds to seal herself into a crystal and sleep for thousands of years to ensure Demise's seal holds, and tells Link that he must find and use the Triforce to destroy Demise so that she will be able to wake up in their own time.<ref>{{Cite|When Demise is finally gone, there will be no more need for the seal that binds him, and then I'll be able to wake up.|Zelda|SS}}</ref>
   
Although Link uses the [[Triforce]] to wish for Demise's destruction, [[Ghirahim]] kidnaps Zelda upon her awakening and takes her through the Gate of Time, where Demise is still sealed.<ref>{{cite|It's best for everyone if you forget about your friend. The little goddess is mine now! My master may have perished in this age, but in the past he lives yet! I'm taking the girl back through that gate to help me revive the demon king!|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref> Zelda's soul is absorbed and Demise is revived in his true form,<ref>{{cite|Ah... But never mind that. Victory is still mine to savor. While we fought, the ritual I started continued....At last, it's complete! The demon king shall devour the soul of the goddess and resurrect in his full glory!|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref> but Link manages to defeat the Demon King and seal his remains in the [[Master Sword]]. After her soul is restored, Zelda as well as the young hero return to their own time, where she mentions to Link that she wants to remain in the surface and watch over the Triforce. Zelda asks what Link's intentions are for the future,<ref>{{cite|Look around us! As a child, I always dreamed of a world below. I wanted to see the surface with my own eyes and feel the land's warm breeze on my skin. I... I think I want to live here. I always want to feel solid ground beneath my feet, see the clouds above my head|Zelda|SS}}</ref> and Link smiles at her, with the camera panning to show both his and Zelda's Loftwings flying back into the sky, implying that Link chose to stay with Zelda.
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Although Link uses the [[Triforce]] to wish for Demise's destruction, [[Ghirahim]] kidnaps Zelda upon her awakening and takes her through the Gate of Time, where Demise is still sealed.<ref>{{Cite|It's best for everyone if you forget about your friend. The little goddess is mine now! My master may have perished in this age, but in the past he lives yet! I'm taking the girl back through that gate to help me revive the demon king!|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref> Zelda's soul is absorbed and Demise is revived in his true form,<ref>{{Cite|Ah... But never mind that. Victory is still mine to savor. While we fought, the ritual I started continued... At last, it's complete! The demon king shall devour the soul of the goddess and resurrect in his full glory!|Ghirahim|SS}}</ref> but Link manages to defeat the Demon King and seal his remains in the [[Master Sword]]. After her soul is restored, Zelda and the young hero return to their own time, where she mentions to Link that she wants to remain in the surface and watch over the Triforce. Zelda asks what Link's intentions are for the future,<ref>{{Cite|Look around us! As a child, I always dreamed of a world below. I wanted to see the surface with my own eyes and feel the land's warm breeze on my skin. I... I think I want to live here. I always want to feel solid ground beneath my feet, see the clouds above my head, and watch over the Triforce.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> and Link smiles at her, with the camera panning to show both his and Zelda's Loftwings flying back into the sky, implying that Link chose to stay with Zelda.
   
 
This incarnation of Zelda is unique in that she is not a princess during the course of the game's events.
 
This incarnation of Zelda is unique in that she is not a princess during the course of the game's events.
   
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{{Fi
{{Fi|Zelda|This is '''Zelda''', your childhood friend. Master, she is also the living embodiment of goddess [[Hylia]].
 
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|quote1= <p>This is '''Zelda''', your childhood friend. Master, she is also the living embodiment of goddess [[Hylia]].</p><p>Though she had previously committed herself to an ages-long sleep in order to maintain the seal over [[Demise]], she has now awakened.</p>
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}}
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==={{TMC|-}}===
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{{Figurine|TMC|Princess Zelda}}
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{{Manual|TMC|Princess Zelda|The princess of Hyrule and a longtime friend of Link. She stops in at Link’s house, asking if he can join her at the annual Picori Festival.}}
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Princess Zelda in {{TMC}} is the eighth Princess Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the second Princess Zelda chronologically.
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Princess Zelda is known to sneak out of [[Hyrule Castle]] to visit [[Link]], who is a childhood friend. At the beginning of the game, Link and Princess Zelda attend the [[Picori Festival]] in [[Hyrule Town]]. When Princess Zelda wins the grand prize in [[Pina]]'s drawing, she chooses a [[Small Shield]] as her prize and gives it to Link. In [[North Hyrule Field]], Link and Princess Zelda are accosted by a [[Business Scrub]], who shoots [[Deku Nut|Deku Nuts]] at them until Link deflects one with his new Shield.
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At the award ceremony for the [[Sword-Fighting Tournament]], [[Vaati]] appears and breaks the [[Picori Blade]], opening the [[Bound Chest]] and releasing monsters into [[Hyrule]]. Though he does not realize it, Princess Zelda shows herself to possess the [[Light Force]] he is searching for; declaring that she will only cause trouble if left alone, he places a [[Sorcerer's Curse]] on her and turns her to stone. To restore her, [[King Daltus]] asks Link to seek out the [[Minish]] and have them reforge the sacred Picori Blade, allowing them to break Vaati's Curse.
   
  +
During his travels, Link learns that in order to reforge the [[Broken Picori Blade]], it will need to be infused with the [[Four Elements]] scattered across Hyrule. He is able to traverse Hyrule along with his companion [[Ezlo]], finding each Element and infusing them into the reforged Blade, turning it into the [[Four Sword]].
Though she had previously committed herself to an ages-long sleep in order to maintain the seal over [[Demise]], she has now awakened.}}
 
   
  +
Vaati follows them into the [[Elemental Sanctuary]] and learns from the [[Stained Glass]] within that Princess Zelda herself holds the Light Force. He knocks out Link and leaves to drain Princess Zelda at the roof of the newly-transformed [[Dark Hyrule Castle]]. Link is able to interrupt this process, eventually defeating Vaati and using the power of the Four Sword to restore Princess Zelda, who reveals that she saw visions of him while turned to stone.
===''The Minish Cap''===
 
[[File:Zeldaminishcap.gif|left|35px]]{{Image|image=Zeldatmc.png|type=caption|size=100px|position=right|caption=Princess Zelda in ''The Minish Cap''|captionalign=center}}
 
The Zelda in ''The Minish Cap'' is the eighth Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the second Zelda chronologically.
 
   
  +
The Castle begins to collapse, and Vaati makes one last attempt to eliminate Link in the [[Palace Courtyard]], but is defeated once and for all. With Vaati defeated, the [[Mage's Cap]] appears, and Ezlo and Princess Zelda work together to use its power to restore Hyrule.
In {{TMC}}, Princess Zelda is known to sneak out of the castle to visit her good childhood friend, Link.<ref>{{cite|She loves to sneak out of the castle to visit her good friend, Link.|Figurine description|TMC}}</ref> At the beginning of the game, Link and Zelda head together towards the [[Picori Festival]] in Hyrule Castle Town.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Princess Zelda / The princess of Hyrule and a longtime friend of Link. She stops in at Link's house, asking if he can join her at the annual Picori festival.|game=The Minish Cap|page=5}}</ref> A catastrophe occurs when the evil wind mage, [[Vaati]], appears and turns Zelda to stone, breaking the [[Picori Blade]] in the process. Link fuses the four elements to transform the blade into the [[Four Sword]] to reverse Vaati's spell. When Link saves Princess Zelda atop the roof of Hyrule Castle where she was being imprisoned by Vaati to steal the [[Light Force]] within her, she reveals to Link that she saw visions of him, as if in a dream.<ref>{{cite|Link, thank you so much for saving me. When I was turned to stone, I saw visions of you, as if in a dream.|Princess Zelda|TMC}}</ref> However, soon after this, the castle begins to collapse.<ref>{{cite|No! The castle's collapsing! It's too dangerous here. Quickly! We must escape from the castle!|Ezlo|TMC}}</ref> As Link and Zelda head towards the [[Elemental Sanctuary]], Vaati appears again and is subsequently defeated by Link. The [[Mage's Cap]] falls down and [[Ezlo]], now a [[Minish]] again, urges Princess Zelda to make a wish. Princess Zelda thus wishes for Hyrule to return to its usual, peaceful state, making all the monsters disappear and returning its people back to normal.<ref>{{cite|If one with a just heart wears this cap, things can be made right again. Princess Zelda! Let your wishes be made real!|Ezlo|TMC}}</ref>
 
<br>
 
{{figurine|TMC|Princess Zelda|A bright and cheery princess from [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Hyrule's royal family]]. She loves to sneak out of the [[Hyrule Castle|castle]] to visit her good friend, [[Link]].|[[File:Princess Zelda Figurine.gif‎]]}}
 
   
===''Four Swords''===
+
==={{FS|-}}===
  +
The Zelda in {{FS}} is the fifth Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the third Zelda chronologically.
[[File:Princess Zelda Four Swords.png‎|left|48px]]
 
The Zelda in {{FS}} is the fifth Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the third Zelda chronologically.
 
   
Zelda and Link appear as childhood friends in {{FS}}.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Zelda's childhood friend, a young boy named Link, claimed the strange power of the Four Sword and fought Vaati fiercely.|game=Four Swords Adventures|page=13}}</ref> Princess Zelda is assigned the duty of protecting the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]] and the [[Four Sword]]. One day, she sensed something unusual at the Four Sword Shrine and took Link to accompany her to investigate.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=She asked a boy named Link, whom she trusted above anyone else, to accompany her to investigate the happenings at the shrine.|game=Four Swords|page=31}}</ref> The seal on Vaati at the shrine had weakened, allowing Vaati to escape. Vaati kidnapped Princess Zelda to make her his bride and Link drew the Four Sword to save her.
+
Zelda and Link appear as childhood friends in {{FS}}.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Zelda's childhood friend, a young boy named Link, claimed the strange power of the Four Sword and fought Vaati fiercely.|game= FSA|page=13}}</ref> Princess Zelda is assigned the duty of protecting the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]] and the [[Four Sword]]. One day, she sensed something unusual at the Four Sword Shrine and took Link to accompany her to investigate.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=She asked a boy named Link, whom she trusted above anyone else, to accompany her to investigate the happenings at the shrine.|game=FS|page=31}}</ref> The seal on Vaati at the shrine had weakened, allowing Vaati to escape. Vaati kidnapped Princess Zelda to make her his bride and Link drew the Four Sword to save her.
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
===''Ocarina of Time''===
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==={{OoT|-}}===
{{Image|image=Zelda OoT 2.png|type=caption|size=70px|position=left|caption=Young Zelda as she appears in ''Ocarina of Time''|captionalign=center}}
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{{Image|image=OoT Princess Zelda Child Artwork.png|type=caption|size=70px|position=left|caption=Young Zelda as she appears in {{OoT|-}}|captionalign=center}}
The Zelda in {{OoT}} and {{MM}} is the fourth Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the fourth Zelda chronologically.
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The Zelda in {{OoT}} and {{MM}} is the fourth Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the fourth Zelda chronologically.
   
Growing up in the halls of Hyrule Castle, young Princess Zelda, referred to by the [[Great Deku Tree#Ocarina of Time|Great Deku Tree]] as the Princess of Destiny,<ref name=destiny>{{cite|Link... Go now to Hyrule Castle... There, thou will surely meet the Princess of Destiny...|Great Deku Tree|OoT}}</ref> was growing concerned with one of her father's associates, the [[Gerudo]] king [[Ganon]]dorf, and a vision of his treachery did not help matters.<ref>{{cite|Can you see the man with the evil eyes? That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere. [...] The dark clouds that covered Hyrule in my dream... They must symbolize that man!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Expressing her concerns with her guardian and nursemaid Impa, she continued to watch the Gerudo despite her inability to do anything about him. That is until a young [[Kokiri]] boy named Link snuck into her garden courtyard.<ref>{{cite|! Who?! Who are you? How did you get past the guards?|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
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Growing up in the halls of Hyrule Castle, young Princess Zelda, referred to by the [[Great Deku Tree]] as the Princess of Destiny,<ref name="Destiny"/> was growing concerned with one of her father's associates, the [[Gerudo]] king [[Ganondorf]], and a vision of his treachery did not help matters.<ref>{{Cite|Can you see the man with the evil eyes? That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere. [...] The dark clouds that covered Hyrule in my dream... They must symbolize that man!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Expressing her concerns with her guardian and nursemaid Impa, she continued to watch the Gerudo despite her inability to do anything about him. This changed when a young [[Kokiri]] boy named Link snuck into her garden courtyard.<ref>{{Cite|What?! Who?! Who are you? How did you get past the guards?|Princess Zelda|OoT3D}}</ref>
   
Convinced that Ganondorf was after the Triforce, Zelda asked Link to find the three Spiritual Stones that would open the [[Temple of Time]] in order to prevent Ganondorf from opening the Door of Time and claiming the Triforce to himself.<ref>{{cite|But...I can sense that man's evil intentions! What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And, he wants to conquer Hyrule... no, the entire world! Link...now, we are the only ones who can protect Hyrule! Please!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name=ohzelda>{{cite|We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it! You go find the other two Spiritual Stones! Let's get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Unfortunately, Ganondorf made his move before Link could return, leading an insurrection in the castle. He chased after Zelda, who had the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] in her possession, when Impa escaped with her from the castle. Dashing out of the castle town with Ganondorf in hot pursuit, Zelda caught sight of Link diving out of their way. She turned and threw the Ocarina of Time to him, trusting that he would keep it safe while Ganondorf chased after them.<ref>{{cite|Link...Can you hear me? It's me, Zelda... Link, when you hold this Ocarina in your hand... I won't be around anymore... I wanted to wait for you, but I couldn't delay any longer... At least I could leave you the Ocarina and this melody...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{cite|I saw you as I was escaping from the castle with my attendant, Impa. I thought I should entrust the Ocarina to you... I thought that would be our best chance...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
+
Convinced that Ganondorf was after the Triforce, Zelda asked Link to find the three Spiritual Stones that would open the [[Temple of Time]] in order to prevent Ganondorf from opening the Door of Time and claiming the Triforce for himself.<ref>{{Cite|But...I can sense that man's evil intentions! What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And, he wants to conquer Hyrule... no, the entire world! Link...now, we are the only ones who can protect Hyrule! Please!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name="Protect">{{Cite|We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it! You go find the other two Spiritual Stones! Let's get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Unfortunately, Ganondorf made his move before Link could return, leading an insurrection in the castle. He chased after Zelda, who had the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] in her possession, when Impa escaped with her from the castle. Dashing out of the castle town with Ganondorf in hot pursuit, Zelda caught sight of Link diving out of their way. She turned and threw the Ocarina of Time to him, trusting that he would keep it safe while Ganondorf chased after them.<ref>{{Cite|Link...Can you hear me? It's me, Zelda... Link, when you hold this Ocarina in your hand... I won't be around anymore... I wanted to wait for you, but I couldn't delay any longer... At least I could leave you the Ocarina and this melody...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I saw you as I was escaping from the castle with my attendant, Impa. I thought I should entrust the Ocarina to you... I thought that would be our best chance...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
   
  +
For seven years Zelda remained in hiding, training in the ways of the [[Sheikah]] by Impa until Link, who had become trapped within the [[Sacred Realm]], was freed. Appearing before him under the name of [[Sheik]], she assisted Link in awakening the remaining five [[Sage]]s,<ref>{{Cite|When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest... One on a high mountain... One under a vast lake... One within the house of the dead... One inside a goddess of the sand... Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world...|Sheik|OoT}}</ref> all the while keeping her real identity secret.<ref>{{Cite|I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs...|Sheik|OoT}}</ref><ref name="Disguise">{{Cite|I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name="Sheikah">{{Cite|I passed myself off as a Sheikah and hoped that you would return. I waited for seven years...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
{{Image|image=Adult princess zelda, (OoT).png|type=caption|size=90px|position=right|caption=Adult Zelda as she appears in ''Ocarina of Time''|captionalign=center}}
 
For seven years Zelda remained in hiding, training in the ways of the [[Sheikah]] by Impa until Link, who had become trapped within the [[Sacred Realm]], was freed. Appearing before him under the name of [[Sheik]], she assisted Link in awakening the remaining five [[sage]]s,<ref name=fivetemples>{{cite|When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest... One on a high mountain... One under a vast lake... One within the house of the dead... One inside a goddess of the sand... Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world...|Sheik|OoT}}</ref> all the while keeping her real identity secret.<ref>{{cite|I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs...|Sheik|OoT}}</ref><ref name=sheikah2>{{Cite|I apologize for meeting you ([[Link]]) in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the [[Ganon|King of Evil]]. Please forgive me.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name=sheikah>{{cite|I passed myself off as a Sheikah and hoped that you would return. I waited for seven years...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
 
   
When Zelda finally does reveal herself, she does so not only as the Princess Zelda but as the seventh sage, the leader of the other Sages, and possessor of the Triforce of Wisdom;<ref name=triforceoot/> however, having being watching them from afar, Ganondorf captures Zelda deliberately to drive Link into a fight to the death inside his castle.<ref>{{cite|Princess Zelda...you foolish traitor! I commend you for avoiding my pursuit for seven long years. But you let your guard down... I knew you would appear if I let this kid wander around! My only mistake was to slightly underestimate the power of this kid... No... It was not the kid's power I misjudged, it was the power of the Triforce of Courage! But, with the Triforce of Wisdom that Zelda has... When I obtain these two Triforces... Then, I will become the true ruler of the world!! If you want to rescue Zelda, come to my castle!|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref>
+
When Zelda finally reveals herself, she does so not only as Princess Zelda but as the seventh sage, the leader of the other Sages, and wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom;<ref name="Seventh Sage"/> however, having watched them from afar, Ganondorf captures Zelda to drive Link into a fight to the death inside his castle.<ref>{{Cite|Princess Zelda...you foolish traitor! I commend you for avoiding my pursuit for seven long years. But you let your guard down... I knew you would appear if I let this kid wander around! My only mistake was to slightly underestimate the power of this kid... No... It was not the kid's power I misjudged, it was the power of the Triforce of Courage! But, with the Triforce of Wisdom that Zelda has... When I obtain these two Triforces... Then, I will become the true ruler of the world!! If you want to rescue Zelda, come to my castle!|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref>
   
In the game's conclusion, Zelda sends Link, the Hero of Time, back to his childhood to regain his lost seven years in compensation for his role in the war against Ganondorf.<ref>{{cite|All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing... I was so young...I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my mistakes... You must lay the Master Sword to rest and close the Door of Time... However, by doing this, the road between times will be closed. Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> This would leave only the Hero of Time's legend behind him as he returned to the past and returned to Hyrule Castle to warn the young Princess Zelda of events to come.
+
In the game's conclusion, Zelda sends Link, the Hero of Time, back to his childhood to regain his lost seven years as compensation for his role in the war against Ganondorf.<ref>{{Cite|All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing... I was so young...I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my mistakes... You must lay the Master Sword to rest and close the Door of Time... However, by doing this, the road between times will be closed. Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> This would leave only the Hero of Time's legend behind him as he returned to the past and returned to Hyrule Castle to warn the young Princess Zelda of events to come.
   
The actions made by this Princess Zelda became important in the development of the [[Zelda Timeline]], since it was through Zelda's choices that three timelines were eventually created, making her instrumental in the history of Hyrule. Her plot with Link to retrieve the Triforce resulted in Ganondorf obtaining the Triforce of Power,<ref name=ohzelda/> eventually leading to Ganondorf besting Link in the final battle, and thus forming the [[Fallen Hero Timeline]].<ref>{{cite book|quote=Ganondorf the thief obtained the Triforce of Power and managed to get his hands on Princess Zelda. The Hero of Time, Link, challenged him in a battle that would determine Hyrule's very existence, and lost.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|page=92|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref> Should Link succeed in defeating Ganondorf, sending Link back to his own time afterwards created two timelines: the [[Child Timeline]] and the [[Adult Timeline]]. The latter of the two shatters the Triforce of Courage and vanishes the hero in the Adult Timeline,<ref>{{cite|The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear.|Introduction|TWW}}</ref> resulting in Hyrule eventually [[Great Flood|being flooded]].
+
The actions made by this incarnation of Princess Zelda were crucial to the development of the [[Zelda Timeline]], since it was through Zelda's choices that three timelines were eventually created, making her instrumental in the history of Hyrule. Her plot with Link to retrieve the Triforce resulted in Ganondorf obtaining the Triforce of Power,<ref name="Protect"/> eventually leading to Ganondorf besting Link in the final battle, and thus forming the [[Fallen Hero Timeline]].<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 92}}</ref> Should Link succeed in defeating Ganondorf, sending Link back to his own time afterwards created two timelines: the [[Child Timeline]] and the [[Adult Timeline]]. The latter of the two shatters the Triforce of Courage and vanquishes the hero in the Adult Timeline,<ref>{{Cite|The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear.|N/A|TWW}}</ref> resulting in Hyrule eventually [[Great Flood|being flooded]].
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
 
==Fallen Hero Timeline==
 
==Fallen Hero Timeline==
The Fallen Hero Timeline is the timeline in which Link, the Hero of Time, despite his best efforts, was defeated by Ganondorf in the final battle. This turn of events created the timeline containing ''A Link to the Past'', the ''Oracle'' series, ''Link's Awakening'', ''A Link Between Worlds'', ''Tri Force Heroes'', ''The Legend of Zelda'', and ''The Adventure of Link''.
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The Fallen Hero Timeline is the timeline in which Link, the Hero of Time, despite his best efforts, was defeated by Ganondorf in the final battle. This turn of events created the timeline containing {{ALttP|-}}, {{OoS|-}}, {{OoA|-}}, {{LA|-}}, {{ALBW|-}}, {{TFH|-}}, {{TLoZ|-}}, and {{TAoL|-}}.
   
===''A Link to the Past''===
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==={{ALttP|-}}===
 
[[File:Princess Zelda ALttPFS.png|left|100px]]
 
[[File:Princess Zelda ALttPFS.png|left|100px]]
The Zelda in ''A Link to the Past'', {{OoS}} and {{OoA}} is the third Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the first Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.
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The Zelda in {{ALttP|-}}, {{OoS}} and {{OoA}} is the third Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the first Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.
   
In {{ALttP}}, Princess Zelda is a [[Maiden]] descendant of the [[Sage|Seven Wise Men]] who had imprisoned Ganon in the [[Dark World]].<ref>{{cite|But no one ever returned. One day evil power began to flow from the Golden Land... So the King commanded seven
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In {{ALttP}}, Princess Zelda is a [[Maiden]] descendant of the [[Sage|Seven Wise Men]] who had imprisoned Ganon in the [[Dark World]].<ref>{{Cite|But no one ever returned. One day evil power began to flow from the Golden Land... So the King commanded seven
wise men to seal the gate to the Land of the Golden Power.|Introduction|ALttP}}</ref> Seeking freedom, Ganon uses the wizard [[Agahnim#The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|Agahnim]] to kidnap the descendants in order to sacrifice them and free him from his prison.<ref>{{cite|Through evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one after another. And the time of destiny for Princess Zelda is drawing near.|Introduction|ALttP}}</ref>
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wise men to seal the gate to the Land of the Golden Power.|N/A|ALttP}}</ref> Seeking freedom, Ganon uses the wizard {{Term|ALttP|Agahnim|link}} to kidnap the descendants in order to sacrifice them and free him from his prison.<ref>{{Cite|Through evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one after another. And the time of destiny for Princess Zelda is drawing near.|N/A|ALttP}}</ref>
   
As the last free descendant, Zelda uses telepathy to contact the descendant of the Knights of Hyrule, Link, to save her.<ref name=telepathy/> Despite his efforts in evacuating her from [[Hyrule Castle#The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|Hyrule Castle]], Agahnim manages to capture Zelda and sacrifice her to the Dark World, breaking the seal between Hyrule and the Dark World.<ref>{{cite|Link! You are a second too late. I have failed... Zelda... The soldiers have abducted her. They have taken her to the castle.|Loyal Sage|ALttP}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Ahah... Link! I have been waiting for you! Heh heh heh... I was hoping I could make Zelda vanish in front of your eyes. Behold! The last moment of Princess Zelda! Ho ho ho... With this, the seal of the seven wise men is at last broken. It is now only a matter of time before evil power covers this land...|Agahnim|ALttP}}</ref> While in the Dark World, Princess Zelda is held inside a crystal prison within [[Turtle Rock (A Link to the Past)|Turtle Rock]].<ref>{{Cite|Link, can you hear me? It's me, Zelda. I am locked in Turtle Rock on top of Death Mountain. I know you are doing your best, but please hurry...|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref> When Link frees her, she, along with the other maidens, breaks the seal surrounding Ganon's lair.<ref>{{Cite|Link, we are going to break the barrier of Ganon's Tower with our power.|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref>
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As the last free descendant, Zelda uses telepathy to contact the descendant of the Knights of Hyrule, Link, to save her.<ref name="Plead"/> Despite his efforts in evacuating her from {{Term|ALttP|Hyrule Castle|link}}, Agahnim manages to capture Zelda and sacrifice her to the Dark World, breaking the seal between Hyrule and the Dark World.<ref>{{Cite|Link! You are a second too late. I have failed... Zelda... The soldiers have abducted her. They have taken her to the castle.|Loyal Sage|ALttP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Ahah... Link! I have been waiting for you! Heh heh heh... I was hoping I could make Zelda vanish in front of your eyes. Behold! The last moment of Princess Zelda! Ho ho ho... With this, the seal of the seven wise men is at last broken. It is now only a matter of time before evil power covers this land...|Agahnim|ALttP}}</ref> While in the Dark World, Princess Zelda is held inside a crystal prison within {{Term|ALttP|Turtle Rock|link}}.<ref>{{Cite|Link, can you hear me? It's me, Zelda. I am locked in Turtle Rock on top of Death Mountain. I know you are doing your best, but please hurry...|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref> When Link frees her, she, along with the other maidens, breaks the seal surrounding Ganon's lair.<ref>{{Cite|Link, we are going to break the barrier of Ganon's Tower with our power.|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref>
   
When Link makes a wish with the power of the now-freed Triforce, Princess Zelda returns with the maidens to Hyrule Castle to rule in peace.<ref>{{cite|The Triforce is waiting for a new owner. Its Golden Power is in your hands... Now, touch it with a wish in your heart.|Essence of the Triforce|ALttP}}</ref>
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When Link makes a wish with the power of the now-freed Triforce, Princess Zelda returns with the maidens to Hyrule Castle to rule in peace.
{{clear}}
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{{Clear}}
   
  +
==={{LA|-}}===
===''Oracle of Seasons'' and ''Oracle of Ages''===
 
  +
Zelda is only mentioned at the beginning of {{LA|-}}, when Link mistakes [[Marin]] for the Hyrulean princess due to their resemblance to one another.<ref name="Marin">{{Cite|What a relief!|Marin|LANS}}</ref><ref name="Marin 2">{{Cite|I thought you'd never wake up! You were tossing and turning... What? Zelda? No, my name's {{Color|LANS Pink|Marin}}! You must still be feeling a little woozy. You are on {{Color|LANS Blue|Koholint Island}}!|Marin|LANS}}</ref> She has no involvement in the plot.
[[File:Zelda OOX.png|left]]
 
In the {{OoX}}, Zelda is revealed to be the hope of the people.<ref>{{Cite|When Zelda, the hope of the people, vanishes from Horon Village, this land will be stricken with despair.|Maku Tree|OoS}}</ref> She is the one who sends Impa to [[Labrynna]] and [[Holodrum]] to find [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru, the Oracle of Ages]],<ref>{{Cite|Zelda asked me to find a singer named Nayru. Will you help me look, Link? I'd feel safer with you nearby.|Impa|OoA}}</ref> and [[Din (Oracle)|Din, the Oracle of Seasons]], and bring them to Hyrule for safety. Zelda herself appears if the two games are linked. When players have defeated both [[Onox]] and [[Veran]] in the linked game, [[Twinrova]] will kidnap Zelda in order to sacrifice her to resurrect [[Ganon]].<ref>{{Cite|Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair!|Twinrova|OoS}}</ref> Link dashes to her rescue and Twinrova fails to sacrifice Zelda, making them to sacrifice themselves in order to resurrect Ganon. Due to the fact that they could not sacrifice Zelda as planned, the Ganon they resurrect is mindless and raging and is defeated by Link. In these games, Zelda has a sprite similar to that of [[Marin]], the girl Link mistakes for Zelda when he wakes up at the beginning of {{LA}}.
 
{{clear}}
 
   
  +
According to {{HH}}{{'}}s timeline placement of {{LA|-}}, this Zelda would be the same one from {{ALttP}}, {{OoS}} and {{OoA}}.
===''Link's Awakening''===
 
Zelda is only mentioned at the beginning of ''Link's Awakening'', when Link mistakes [[Marin]] for the Hyrulean princess due to their resemblance to one another.<ref>{{Cite|What? Zelda? No, my name's Marin!|Marin|LA}}</ref> She has no involvement in the plot.
 
   
  +
==={{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}}===
According to [[Hyrule Historia]]'s timeline placement of ''Link's Awakening'', this Zelda would be the same one from {{ALttP}}, {{OoS}} and {{OoA}}.
 
  +
{{Manual|OoS|Princess Zelda|The Royal Princess of Hyrule is a symbol of the people's hope. Her vivid dreams allow her to predict when something evil is about to happen in the world.}}
  +
{{Manual|OoA|Princess Zelda|The Royal Princess of Hyrule is a symbol of the people's hope. Her vivid dreams allow her to predict when something evil is about to happen in the world.}}
  +
In {{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}}, Zelda is revealed to be the hope of the people.<ref>{{Cite|When Zelda, the hope of the people, vanishes from Horon Village, this land will be stricken with despair.|Maku Tree|OoS}}</ref> She is the one who sends Impa to [[Labrynna]] and [[Holodrum]] to find [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru, the Oracle of Ages]],<ref>{{Cite|Zelda asked me to find a singer named Nayru. Will you help me look, Link? I'd feel safer with you nearby.|Impa|OoA}}</ref> and [[Din (Oracle)|Din, the Oracle of Seasons]], and bring them to Hyrule for safety. Zelda herself appears if the two games are linked. When players have defeated both [[General Onox]] and [[Veran]] in the linked game, [[Twinrova]] will kidnap Zelda in order to sacrifice her to resurrect [[Ganon]].<ref>{{Cite|Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair!|Twinrova|OoS}}</ref> Link dashes to her rescue and Twinrova fails to sacrifice Zelda, making them to sacrifice themselves in order to resurrect Ganon. Due to the fact that they could not sacrifice Zelda as planned, the Ganon they resurrect is mindless and raging and is defeated by Link. In these games, Zelda has a sprite similar to that of [[Marin]], the girl Link mistakes for Zelda when he wakes up at the beginning of {{LA}}.
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{{clear}}
   
  +
==={{AST|-}}===
===''Ancient Stone Tablets''===
 
 
{{Ambig|Start}}
 
{{Ambig|Start}}
Six years after the events of ''A Link to the Past'', Hyrule is enjoying a time of peace and tranquility, but Princess Zelda suffers from a dark, recurring dream showing a shadow over a temple; a premonition of evil to come. One day, she witnesses a mysterious and brilliant light in the sky to the east. Aginah, the younger brother of the wise man Sahasrahla and now living in his old hideout near the Eastern Palace also witnesses such a light, and travels to investigate. There he finds a strange youth lying on the ground. Zelda, also following the light, meets up with Aginah, and they both carry the child to rest in Sahasrahla's hideout. Confused by the youth's unusual clothes, they believe the child not to hail from Kakariko Village. Speaking to Aginah while the youngster sleeps, Zelda learns that his brother Sahasrahla had also sensed danger surrounding Hyrule and had left the land to find the hero, Link. While Link has not yet returned, Zelda senses that if this new youth was endowed with courage, he or she may be the Hero of Light. Zelda then sets of for Hyrule Castle before sending Aginah to find the Book of Mudora while she speaks to the Fortune Teller. Aginah and the hero travel to the Sanctuary at the foot of the mountain, but Zelda follows, claiming she had another prophetic dream, this time of her holding the Book of Mudora on top of Death Mountain. Zelda insists on traveling with the hero to the summit of the mountain, as she is the only one who can read the Book of Mudora. During their quest to obtain the final two tablets and reach the summit, the Fortune Teller sees the King of Evil in a vision. Ganon's malice had kept his spirit alive despite the destruction of his body. It was this lingering evil power that had drawn the Hero of Light into the land of Hyrule, and upon the summit the hero travels once more into another world to engage in a desperate final battle with the Demon King in a new version of Ganon's Tower. Ganon desires the power of the Hero of Light to be fully reborn, but is finally destroyed using the Silver Arrows once more.
+
Six years after the events of {{ALttP|-}}, Hyrule is enjoying a time of peace and tranquility, but Princess Zelda suffers from a dark, recurring dream showing a shadow over a temple; a premonition of evil to come. One day, she witnesses a mysterious and brilliant light in the sky to the east. Aginah, the younger brother of the wise man Sahasrahla and now living in his old hideout near the Eastern Palace also witnesses such a light, and travels to investigate. There he finds a strange youth lying on the ground. Zelda, also following the light, meets up with Aginah, and they both carry the child to rest in Sahasrahla's hideout. Confused by the youth's unusual clothes, they believe the child not to hail from Kakariko Village. Speaking to Aginah while the youngster sleeps, Zelda learns that his brother Sahasrahla had also sensed danger surrounding Hyrule and had left the land to find the hero, Link. While Link has not yet returned, Zelda senses that if this new youth was endowed with courage, he or she may be the Hero of Light. Zelda then sets of for Hyrule Castle before sending Aginah to find the Book of Mudora while she speaks to the Fortune Teller. Aginah and the hero travel to the Sanctuary at the foot of the mountain, but Zelda follows, claiming she had another prophetic dream, this time of her holding the Book of Mudora on top of Death Mountain. Zelda insists on traveling with the hero to the summit of the mountain, as she is the only one who can read the Book of Mudora. During their quest to obtain the final two tablets and reach the summit, the Fortune Teller sees the King of Evil in a vision. Ganon's malice had kept his spirit alive despite the destruction of his body. It was this lingering evil power that had drawn the Hero of Light into the land of Hyrule, and upon the summit the hero travels once more into another world to engage in a desperate final battle with the Demon King in a new version of Ganon's Tower. Ganon desires the power of the Hero of Light to be fully reborn, but is finally destroyed using the Silver Arrows once more.
 
{{Ambig|End}}
 
{{Ambig|End}}
   
  +
==={{ALBW|-}}===
===''A Link Between Worlds''===
 
{{Update|ALBW}}
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{{Stub|ALBW}}
  +
[[File:ALBW Princess Zelda 01.png|right|thumb|Zelda in {{ALBW|-}}]]
{{sectstub|ALBW}}
 
  +
The Zelda in {{ALBW}} is the twelfth Zelda in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.
[[File:ALBW Princess Zelda 01.png|right|thumb|Zelda in ''A Link Between Worlds'']]
 
The Zelda in {{ALBW}} is the twelfth Zelda in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.
 
   
 
Zelda appears again in {{ALBW}}. At her young age, she rules the entire kingdom of Hyrule alone. When Link first meets her, he warns her that [[Seres]] was attacked and turned into a [[Painting]] by [[Yuga]]. She tells the young hero to warn Sahasrahla in Kakariko Village and gives Link a charm that she has owned since childhood. When Hyrule Castle is under Yuga's attack, Link learns that the charm she gave is the Pendant of Courage, which she gave to him in anticipation of the oncoming misfortune.
 
Zelda appears again in {{ALBW}}. At her young age, she rules the entire kingdom of Hyrule alone. When Link first meets her, he warns her that [[Seres]] was attacked and turned into a [[Painting]] by [[Yuga]]. She tells the young hero to warn Sahasrahla in Kakariko Village and gives Link a charm that she has owned since childhood. When Hyrule Castle is under Yuga's attack, Link learns that the charm she gave is the Pendant of Courage, which she gave to him in anticipation of the oncoming misfortune.
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{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
===''The Legend of Zelda''===
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==={{TLoZ|-}}===
[[File:TLoZ Zelda Red Sprite.png|left]]
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[[File:TLoZ Princess Zelda Artwork 2.png|150px|left]]
The Zelda in ''The Legend of Zelda'' is the first Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the fourth Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.
+
The Zelda in {{TLoZ|-}} is the first Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the fourth Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.
   
An army of evil, led by [[Ganon#The Legend of Zelda|Ganon]], seeks to possess the [[Triforce#The Legend of Zelda|Triforce]] to plunge the land of Hyrule into darkness.<ref>{{cite manual|One day, an evil army attacked this peaceful little kingdom and stole the Triforce of Power. This army was led by Ganon, the powerful Prince of Darkness who sought to plunge the World into fear and darkness under his rule.|game=The Legend of Zelda|page=3}}</ref> Stealing the Triforce of Power, Ganon sought to find the last known piece, the Triforce of Wisdom.
+
An army of evil, led by {{Term|TLoZ|Ganon|link}}, seeks to possess the {{Term|TLoZ|Triforce|link}} to plunge the land of Hyrule into darkness.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= One day, an evil army attacked this peaceful little kingdom and stole the Triforce of Power. This army was led by Ganon, the powerful Prince of Darkness who sought to plunge the World into fear and darkness under his rule.|game= TLoZ|page=3}}</ref> Stealing the Triforce of Power, Ganon sought to find the last known piece, the Triforce of Wisdom.
   
Princess Zelda, as a member of the bloodline that carries and protects the Triforce of Wisdom, broke the Triforce piece into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm in an effort to avoid its possession under Ganon's hand.<ref name=loz/> At the same time, she sent out her handmaiden, [[Impa#The Legend of Zelda|Impa]], to look for a hero to save the land.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=At the same time, she commanded her most trustworthy nursemaid, Impa, to secretly escape into the land and go find a man with enough courage to destroy the evil Ganon.|game=The Legend of Zelda|page=3}}</ref> Ganon learned of what Zelda had done and imprisoned her within his lair under [[Death Mountain#The Legend of Zelda|Death Mountain]], surrounded by a wall of flame.<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Upon hearing this, Ganon grew angry, imprisoned the princess, and sent out a party in search of Impa.|game=The Legend of Zelda|page=3}}</ref>
+
Princess Zelda, as a member of the bloodline that carries and protects the Triforce of Wisdom, broke the Triforce piece into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm in an effort to avoid its possession under Ganon's hand.<ref name="Fragments"/> At the same time, she sent out her handmaiden, {{Term|TLoZ|Impa|link}}, to look for a hero to save the land.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=At the same time, she commanded her most trustworthy nursemaid, Impa, to secretly escape into the land and go find a man with enough courage to destroy the evil Ganon.|game= TLoZ|page=3}}</ref> Ganon learned of what Zelda had done and imprisoned her within his lair under {{Term|TLoZ|Death Mountain|link}}, surrounded by a wall of flame.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Upon hearing this, Ganon grew angry, imprisoned the princess, and sent out a party in search of Impa.|game= TLoZ|page=3}}</ref>
   
Link eventually finds the eight [[Triforce#Triforce Shards|fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom]] scattered throughout Hyrule and travel to Death Mountain where, upon defeating Ganon, he frees Zelda from her prison, returning peace to the land.<ref>{{cite|THANKS LINK, YOU'RE THE HERO OF HYRULE FINALLY, PEACE RETURNS TO HYRULE.|N/A|TLoZ}}</ref>
+
Link eventually finds the eight [[Triforce#Triforce Shards|fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom]] scattered throughout Hyrule and travels to Death Mountain where, upon defeating Ganon, he frees Zelda from her prison, returning peace to the land.<ref>{{Cite|THANKS LINK, YOU'RE THE HERO OF HYRULE.|Princess Zelda|TLoZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|FINALLY, PEACE RETURNS TO HYRULE. THE END.|N/A|TLoZ}}</ref>
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
  +
==={{BoMC|-}}===
===''The Adventure of Link''===
 
  +
{{Noncanon|Start}}
[[File:SleepingZelda(AoL).png|left|150px]]
 
  +
[[File:Zelda_from_Mirage_Castle's_Battle.jpg|150px|left|Princess Zelda from Mirage Castle's Battle]]
The Zelda in ''The Adventure of Link'' is the second Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series.
 
  +
Along with Link, Demon General Gaia is cursed, and on Day they she torn apart in the form of being trapped in Crystal Moon.
  +
During Night, she becomes a Playable Character (Protagonist).
  +
{{Noncanon|End}}
   
  +
==={{TAoL|-}}===
The introduction of {{TAoL}} speaks of the legend of Zelda, a legend that has been passed down in Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite manual|quote= Link, the time has come when I must tell you the legend of Zelda handed down in Hyrule.|game= TAoL|page= 6}}</ref> According to that legend, well before the events of ''The Legend of Zelda'', Hyrule was a prosperous land ruled by a [[King of Hyrule (The Adventure of Link)|king]] who had two children, an [[Prince of Hyrule|unnamed prince]] and Princess Zelda. The King maintained peace in Hyrule using the Triforce; however, he passed away, and although the prince should have received the Triforce in full, he only received a part of it.<ref>{{Cite manual|quote= It is said that a long ago, when Hyrule was one country, a great ruler maintained the peace in Hyrule using the Triforce. However, the king too was a child of man and he died.|game= TAoL|page= 6}}</ref> The prince frantically searched in vain everywhere for the remaining piece, but then a [[Magician|wizard]] came to the Prince and tells him that his younger sister, Zelda, knows the location of the mystical object.<ref>{{Cite manual|quote= Then, the prince of the kingdom should have become king and inherited everything, but he could inherit the Triforce only in part. The Prince searched everywhere for the missing parts, but could not find them. Then, a magician close to the king brought him some unexpected news. Before he died, the king had said something about the Triforce to only the younger sister of the prince, Princess Zelda.|game= TAoL|page= 6, 7}}</ref> The prince demands that Zelda turn the information over to him, but Zelda refuses and, in a rage, the wizard puts Zelda into an eternal sleep, with him dying in the process.<ref>{{Cite manual|quote= The prince immediately questioned the princess, but she wouldn't tell him anything. After the prince, the magician threatened to put the princess into an enternal sleep if she did not talk, but even still, she said nothing. In his anger, the magician tried to cast a magic spell on the princess. The surprised prince tried to stop him, but the magician fought off the prince and went on chanting the spell. Then, when the spell was finally cast, Princess Zelda fell on that spot and enter a sleep from which she might never awake. At the same time, the magician also fell down and breathe his last.|game= TAoL|page= 7, 8}}</ref> Overcome with grief, the prince seals his sleeping sister in the [[North Castle|North Palace]] and orders that all female descendants of the Hylian monarchy are to be named Zelda.<ref name=zeldas>{{Cite manual|quote= In his grief, the prince placed the princess in this room. He hoped that someday she would come back to life. So that this tragedy would never be forgotten, he ordered that every female child born into the royal household shall be given the name Zelda.|game= TAoL|page= 8}}</ref>
 
  +
[[File:TAoL Princess Zelda I Artwork.png|thumb|left|x120px|Impa showing Princess Zelda to Link from {{TAoL|-}}]]
  +
The Zelda in {{TAoL|-}} is the second Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series.
   
  +
The introduction of {{TAoL}} speaks of the legend of Zelda, a legend that has been passed down in Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= Link, the time has come when I must tell you the legend of Zelda handed down in Hyrule.|game= TAoL|page= 6}}</ref> According to that legend, well before the events of {{TLoZ|-}}, Hyrule was a prosperous land ruled by a [[King of Hyrule|king]] who had two children, an [[Prince of Hyrule|unnamed prince]] and Princess Zelda. The King maintained peace in Hyrule using the Triforce; however, he passed away, and although the prince should have received the Triforce in full, he only received a part of it.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= It is said that a long ago, when Hyrule was one country, a great ruler maintained the peace in Hyrule using the Triforce. However, the king too was a child of man and he died.|game= TAoL|page= 6}}</ref> The prince frantically searched in vain everywhere for the remaining piece, but then a [[Magician|wizard]] came to the Prince and tells him that his younger sister, Zelda, knows the location of the mystical object.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= Then, the prince of the kingdom should have become king and inherited everything, but he could inherit the Triforce only in part. The Prince searched everywhere for the missing parts, but could not find them. Then, a magician close to the king brought him some unexpected news. Before he died, the king had said something about the Triforce to only the younger sister of the prince, Princess Zelda.|game= TAoL|page= 6, 7}}</ref> The prince demands that Zelda turn the information over to him, but Zelda refuses and, in a rage, the wizard puts Zelda into an eternal sleep, with him dying in the process.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= The prince immediately questioned the princess, but she wouldn't tell him anything. After the prince, the magician threatened to put the princess into an eternal sleep if she did not talk, but even still, she said nothing. In his anger, the magician tried to cast a magic spell on the princess. The surprised prince tried to stop him, but the magician fought off the prince and went on chanting the spell. Then, when the spell was finally cast, Princess Zelda fell on that spot and enter a sleep from which she might never awake. At the same time, the magician also fell down and breathe his last.|game= TAoL|page= 7, 8}}</ref> Overcome with grief, the prince seals his sleeping sister in the [[North Castle|North Palace]] and orders that all female descendants of the Hylian monarchy are to be named Zelda.<ref name="Tragedy"/>
To break the curse, a hero must possess the complete Triforce, but obtaining the [[Triforce#Triforce of Courage|Triforce of Courage]] would prove difficult as the king of ages ago had hidden it within the [[Great Palace]].<ref>{{Cite manual|quote= There are three kinds of Triforce -- Power, Wisdom, and Courage. [...] Of the three, I have left Power and Wisdom in the kingdom. But the Triforce Courage I have hidden for a reason. [...] The Triforce of Courage is hidden in the Great Palace in the Valley of Death on the largest island in Hyrule.|game= TAoL|page= 9, 10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite manual|quote= The magic spell cast upon Princess Zelda will sure to be broken if the Triforce is used. Please, Link. Unite the Triforce and save the princess. And bring back peace to Hyrule.|game= TAoL|page= 12}}</ref> Only one who proved themselves worthy would obtain it.
 
  +
  +
To break the curse, a hero must possess the complete Triforce, but obtaining the [[Triforce of Courage]] would prove difficult as the king of ages ago had hidden it within the [[Great Palace]].<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= There are three kinds of Triforce -- Power, Wisdom, and Courage. [...] Of the three, I have left Power and Wisdom in the kingdom. But the Triforce Courage I have hidden for a reason. [...] The Triforce of Courage is hidden in the Great Palace in the Valley of Death on the largest island in Hyrule.|game= TAoL|page= 9, 10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= The magic spell cast upon Princess Zelda will sure to be broken if the Triforce is used. Please, Link. Unite the Triforce and save the princess. And bring back peace to Hyrule.|game= TAoL|page= 12}}</ref> Only one who proved themselves worthy would obtain it.
   
 
In the end, Link obtains the Triforce of Courage from the Great Palace and awakes the sleeping princess from her slumber.
 
In the end, Link obtains the Triforce of Courage from the Great Palace and awakes the sleeping princess from her slumber.
   
  +
Although both games feature the same Link, this Zelda is different from the one in the original {{TLoZ|-}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 104-107 & 109}}</ref>
This Zelda is a different one from the original ''The Legend of Zelda'' even though both games feature the same Link.<ref>{{Cite book|quote= Once the wizard had finished casting his spell, Princess Zelda crumpled where she stood. [...] Mad with grief and regretting what he had done, the young king placed his sleeping sister, Princess Zelda, on an altar in the North Castle, in the hopes that she would someday be revived. [...] The story became the legend of the first Princess Zelda. [...] There came a day when the demon army led by the Demon King Ganon invaded Hyrule and stole the Triforce of Power. The reigning Princess Zelda divided the Triforce of Wisdom, which was in her possession, into eight pieces, hiding them in different corners of the kingdom. [...] Just then, a boy named Link appeared. [...] Using the power of the Triforce of Wisdom, Link crushed the Demon King and saved Princess Zelda. [...] Even after defeating Ganon, Link remained in the Kingdom and lent a hand to the reconstruction efforts. [...] Link, having obtained the Triforce of Courage, used the Triforce's power to awaken Princess Zelda I from her slumber.|book= Hyrule Historia|page= 104-107, 109|publisher= Dark Horse Books}}</ref>
 
   
===''Zelda'' (Game & Watch)===
+
==={{ZG&W|-}}===
 
{{Ambig|Start}}
 
{{Ambig|Start}}
 
[[File:Zelda Game & Watch.png|right]]
 
[[File:Zelda Game & Watch.png|right]]
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==Child Timeline==
 
==Child Timeline==
The Child Timeline is the timeline that follows Link after being sent back to his original time to warn Princess Zelda, following the defeat of Ganondorf by the Hero of Time in the final battle. This turn of events created the timeline containing ''Majora's Mask'', ''Twilight Princess'', and ''Four Swords Adventures''.
+
The Child Timeline is the timeline that follows Link after being sent back to his original time to warn Princess Zelda, following the defeat of Ganondorf by the Hero of Time in the final battle. This turn of events created the timeline containing {{MM|-}}, {{TP|-}}, and {{FSA|-}}.
   
===''Majora's Mask''===
+
==={{MM|-}}===
 
[[File:MM Zelda Memory.png|thumb|right|Memories of Princess Zelda]]
 
[[File:MM Zelda Memory.png|thumb|right|Memories of Princess Zelda]]
Prior the events of {{MM}}, Zelda spends a relatively short period of time with Link, before he leaves [[Hyrule]] for his quest in search of his companion [[Navi]].<ref>{{cite manual|quote=Several months after rescuing Princess Zelda and saving the land of Hyrule, Link set foot into the mysterious world of Termina by chance while in the midst of a new journey.|game= Majora's Mask|page= 5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|quote=Link set off on his horse, Epona, who lived at Lon Lon ranch. Months passed as he wandered in search of his companion, Navi, eventually losing himself in a mysterious forest.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|page=110|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref> Zelda, as a child, makes a single appearance in {{MM}} when Link has a flashback after retrieving the Ocarina of Time from the [[Skull Kid#Majora's Mask|Skull Kid]]. The events of the flashback display Link's last meeting with Zelda, where she states her belief that they would meet again.<ref>{{Cite|I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref> However, before Link departs the land of [[Hyrule]], Princess Zelda gives him the Ocarina of Time to prevent Ganondorf from entering the Sacred Realm and as a memento of the time they spent together.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Link warned Princess Zelda of what the future would bring. Hearing his words, the princess entrusted the Ocarina of Time to Link and instructed him to travel far away in order to prevent Ganondorf from entering the Sacred Realm.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|page=110|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite|You are already leaving this land of Hyrule, aren't you? Even though it was only a short time, I feel like I've known you forever. I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again... Until that day comes, please... Take this...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref> She also teaches Link the "[[Song of Time]]", a melody that holds a special meaning to her,<ref>{{cite|This reminds me of us...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref> before handing over the ocarina, mentioning that he should play that melody if something were to happen to him so the [[Goddess of Time]] will come to his aid.<ref>{{cite|I am praying... I am praying that your journey be a safe one. If something should happen to you, remember this song...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref><ref>{{cite|The Goddess of Time is protecting you. If you play the Song of Time, she will aid you...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref>
+
Prior the events of {{MM}}, Zelda spends a relatively short period of time with Link, before he leaves [[Hyrule]] for his quest in search of his companion [[Navi]].<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Several months after rescuing Princess Zelda and saving the land of Hyrule, Link set foot into the mysterious world of Termina by chance while in the midst of a new journey.|game= MM|page= 5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 110}}</ref> Zelda, as a child, makes a single appearance in {{MM}} when Link has a flashback after retrieving the Ocarina of Time from the [[Skull Kid#Majora's Mask|Skull Kid]]. The events of the flashback display Link's last meeting with Zelda, where she states her belief that they would meet again.<ref>{{Cite|I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref> However, before Link departs the land of [[Hyrule]], Princess Zelda gives him the Ocarina of Time to prevent Ganondorf from entering the Sacred Realm and as a memento of the time they spent together.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 110}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You are already leaving this land of Hyrule, aren't you? Even though it was only a short time, I feel like I've known you forever. I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again... Until that day comes, please... Take this...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref> She also teaches Link the "[[Song of Time]]", a melody that holds a special meaning to her,<ref>{{Cite|This reminds me of us...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref> before handing over the ocarina, mentioning that he should play that melody if something were to happen to him so the [[Goddess of Time]] will come to his aid.<ref>{{Cite|I am praying... I am praying that your journey be a safe one. If something should happen to you, remember this song...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|The Goddess of Time is protecting you. If you play the Song of Time, she will aid you...|Princess Zelda|MM}}</ref>
   
 
<small>(This Zelda is the same one from {{OoT}})</small>
 
<small>(This Zelda is the same one from {{OoT}})</small>
 
{{clear}}
 
{{clear}}
   
===''Twilight Princess''===
+
==={{TP|-}}===
 
:''See also: [[Possessed Zelda#Twilight Princess|Puppet Zelda]]''
 
:''See also: [[Possessed Zelda#Twilight Princess|Puppet Zelda]]''
The Zelda in ''Twilight Princess'' is the ninth Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Child Timeline branch.
+
The Zelda in {{TP|-}} is the ninth Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Child Timeline branch.
   
[[File:Princess Zelda.png|right|120px]][[File:Robbed Figure.jpg|thumb|left|Princess Zelda dressed in her dark attire]]
+
[[File:Robbed Figure.jpg|thumb|left|Princess Zelda dressed in her dark attire]]
In {{TP}}, Zelda was the young matriarch of Hyrule until its [[Shadow Invasion|invasion]] by [[Zant]], the Twilight King, to whom she surrendered in order to prevent the deaths of herself and her people.<ref name=zant/> Afterward, she is imprisoned inside a tower in Hyrule Castle. It is revealed that Zelda is unaffected by the veil of [[Twilight]] Zant casts upon Hyrule and does not become a [[spirit]] like all the other inhabitants of the kingdom. As the bearer of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]], Zelda may have been protected by its power.<ref name=triforcetp/>
+
In {{TP}}, Zelda was the young matriarch of Hyrule until its [[Shadow Invasion|invasion]] by [[Zant]], the Twilight King, to whom she reluctantly surrendered in order to prevent the deaths of herself and her people.<ref name="Surrender"/> Afterward, she is imprisoned inside a tower in Hyrule Castle. It is revealed that Zelda is unaffected by the veil of [[Twilight]] Zant casts upon Hyrule and does not become a [[spirit]] like all the other inhabitants of the kingdom. As the bearer of the [[Triforce of Wisdom]], Zelda may have been protected by its power.<ref name="Special Powers"/>
   
Zelda, dressed in a dark robe, meets Link during his earliest transformation into a wolf (due to the interaction between the Twilight and his Triforce piece). Later, she transfers her soul and her powers to aid the dying [[Midna]], losing her physical being in the process.<ref name=midna/><ref>{{cite book|quote=Once Princess Zelda's spirit, which remained inside Midna, was returned to her body, she defended Link using the Light Arrows.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|page=117|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref>
+
Zelda, dressed in a dark robe, meets Link during his earliest transformation into a wolf (due to the interaction between the Twilight and his Triforce piece). Later, she transfers her soul and her powers to aid the dying [[Midna]], losing her physical being in the process.<ref name="Midna"/><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 117}}</ref>
   
 
Towards the end of the game, Ganondorf possesses the lifeless Zelda, who was being imprisoned in the throne room of Hyrule Castle, transforming her into an enemy known as [[Possessed Zelda|Puppet Zelda]]. Link defeats Ganondorf's puppet, and Midna, with the help of the Fused Shadows, returns Princess Zelda to normal.
 
Towards the end of the game, Ganondorf possesses the lifeless Zelda, who was being imprisoned in the throne room of Hyrule Castle, transforming her into an enemy known as [[Possessed Zelda|Puppet Zelda]]. Link defeats Ganondorf's puppet, and Midna, with the help of the Fused Shadows, returns Princess Zelda to normal.
   
Ganondorf makes another attempt on Zelda's life soon after, but she is protected by the [[Light Spirits]] of Hyrule who grant her the [[Light Arrow]]s to assist Link in the horseback part of his final battle.<ref name=lightarrows/><ref name=spirits/> The last time she is seen in the game is when she and Link say good-bye to Midna at the [[Mirror of Twilight]].
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Ganondorf makes another attempt on Zelda's life soon after, but she is protected by the [[Light Spirits]] of Hyrule who grant her the [[Light Arrow]]s to assist Link in the horseback part of his final battle.<ref name="Light Arrows"/><ref name="Spirits"/> The last time she is seen in the game is when she and Link say good-bye to Midna at the [[Mirror of Twilight]].
 
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==={{FSA|-}}===
===''Four Swords Adventures''===
 
  +
The Zelda in {{FSA}} is the seventh Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the third Zelda chronologically in the Child Timeline branch.
[[File:Zelda FSA.png|left]]
 
The Zelda in {{FSA}} is the seventh Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the third Zelda chronologically in the Child Timeline branch.
 
   
 
In {{FSA}}, Zelda used her telepathy to call Link to Hyrule Castle so she and him can join the [[Maiden|Shrine Maidens]] to investigate the seal on [[Vaati]] at the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]], due to ominous clouds of darkness covering Hyrule. However, while using their magic to check the seal, [[Shadow Link]] appeared and kidnapped Zelda and the six Maidens and sent Link to the Four Sword Sanctuary. This was all a trap by Shadow Link to cause Link to draw the Four Sword, releasing the seal on the Wind Mage Vaati, allowing him to escape.
 
In {{FSA}}, Zelda used her telepathy to call Link to Hyrule Castle so she and him can join the [[Maiden|Shrine Maidens]] to investigate the seal on [[Vaati]] at the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]], due to ominous clouds of darkness covering Hyrule. However, while using their magic to check the seal, [[Shadow Link]] appeared and kidnapped Zelda and the six Maidens and sent Link to the Four Sword Sanctuary. This was all a trap by Shadow Link to cause Link to draw the Four Sword, releasing the seal on the Wind Mage Vaati, allowing him to escape.
   
Once rescued from Vaati, Link and Zelda flee down the [[Tower of Winds]], similar to the escape from [[Ganon's Castle|Ganon's Tower]] in ''Ocarina of Time''. Zelda must be protected from damage during this escape. When nearing the exit however, the four Links and Zelda are sent tumbling deep beneath the tower by Ganon. While the four Link's are out cold, Zelda attempts to seal away Ganon with her magic, but is instead stopped and sealed away by Ganon himself. The four Links fight Ganon together, and eventually weaken him enough to break the seal on Zelda. Zelda then fights Ganon alongside the Links much like in {{TWW}}. While she does not wield the Light Arrows by name, she does wield a ball of light energy which, coupled with Link's arrows, serves the same function of the Light Arrows, stunning Ganon long enough for him to be drawn into the [[Four Sword]]. She must be protected from Ganon's attacks so the ball of light energy can become big enough to contain Ganon's evil might.
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Once rescued from Vaati, Link and Zelda flee down the [[Tower of Winds]], similar to the escape from [[Ganon's Castle|Ganon's Tower]] in {{OoT|-}}. Zelda must be protected from damage during this escape. When nearing the exit however, the four Links and Zelda are sent tumbling deep beneath the tower by Ganon. While the four Link's are out cold, Zelda attempts to seal away Ganon with her magic, but is instead stopped and sealed away by Ganon himself. The four Links fight Ganon together, and eventually weaken him enough to break the seal on Zelda. Zelda then fights Ganon alongside the Links much like in {{TWW}}. While she does not wield the Light Arrows by name, she does wield a ball of light energy which, coupled with Link's arrows, serves the same function of the Light Arrows, stunning Ganon long enough for him to be drawn into the [[Four Sword]]. She must be protected from Ganon's attacks so the ball of light energy can become big enough to contain Ganon's evil might.
 
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==Adult Timeline==
 
==Adult Timeline==
The Adult Timeline is the timeline that follows the events after Link is being sent back to his original time, following the Hero of Time's defeat of Ganondorf in the final battle. Ganondorf is sealed within the [[Sacred Realm]] by the Seven Sages but, with Link sent back in time, the world is left without a Hero. This turn of events created the timeline containing ''The Wind Waker'', ''Phantom Hourglass'', and ''Spirit Tracks''.
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The Adult Timeline is the timeline that follows the events after Link is being sent back to his original time, following the Hero of Time's defeat of Ganondorf in the final battle. Ganondorf is sealed within the [[Sacred Realm]] by the Seven Sages but, with Link sent back in time, the world is left without a Hero. This turn of events created the timeline containing {{TWW|-}}, {{PH|-}}, and {{ST|-}}.
   
===''The Wind Waker''===
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==={{TWW|-}}===
{{main|Tetra}}
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{{Main|Tetra}}
  +
The Zelda in {{TWW|-}} and {{PH}} is the sixth Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the first Zelda chronologically in the Adult Timeline branch.
{{Image|image=TWW Princess Zelda.png|type=caption|size=120px|position=right|caption=Zelda, as seen in ''The Wind Waker''|captionalign=center}}
 
The Zelda in ''The Wind Waker'' and {{PH}} is the sixth Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the first Zelda chronologically in the Adult Timeline branch.
 
   
{{TWW}} presents Zelda in a secret identity as [[Tetra]], a female pirate who leads a small group of thieves after the death of her mother.<ref name=tetra>{{cite|Orphaned at a young age, Tetra followed in her mother's footsteps, becoming a pirate and watching after her mother's gang of lovable swabbies.|Nintendo Gallery figurine description|TWW}}</ref> Tetra, however, is even unaware herself of being part of the royal bloodline, and this is a first occurrence for the ''Zelda'' series.<ref name=quote1>{{cite|Wh-What?! What are you talking about? I don't know any Zelda...|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref> Despite this, the female pirate is aware of the existence of Hyrule, the Master Sword, and the legend of the Hero of Time. Tetra's identity as a descendant of Princess Zelda is revealed when she travels with Link to Hyrule Castle, beneath the [[Great Sea]].<ref name=twwTrueHeir/>
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{{TWW}} presents Zelda in a secret identity as [[Tetra]], a female pirate who leads a small group of thieves after the death of her mother.<ref name="Orphan">{{Cite|Orphaned at a young age, Tetra followed in her mother's footsteps, becoming a pirate and watching after her mother's gang of lovable swabbies.|Figurine|TWW}}</ref> Tetra, however, is even unaware herself of being part of the royal bloodline, and this is a first occurrence for {{TLoZ|-}} series.<ref name="Reveal">{{Cite|Wh-What?! What are you talking about? I don't know any Zelda...|Tetra|TWW}}</ref> Despite this, the female pirate is aware of the existence of Hyrule, the Master Sword, and the legend of the Hero of Time. Tetra's identity as a descendant of Princess Zelda is revealed when she travels with Link to Hyrule Castle, beneath the [[Great Sea]].<ref name="True Heir"/>
   
Her true identity was first hinted when Link travels to the [[Forsaken Fortress]] for a second time and encounters Ganondorf, who, as he grasps Tetra in his hand, realizes that his Triforce of Power is resonating, which could only indicate that Tetra is indeed the Princess Zelda.<ref>{{cite|My Triforce of Power is resonating! Ha! At long last, I have found you...Princess Zelda! [...] Feigning ignorance will gain you nothing! Tell me... If you are not Zelda, then why do you have this fragment of the Triforce?|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref>
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Her true identity was first hinted when Link travels to the [[Forsaken Fortress]] for a second time and encounters Ganondorf, who, as he grasps Tetra in his hand, realizes that his Triforce of Power is resonating, which could only indicate that Tetra is indeed the Princess Zelda.<ref>{{Cite|My Triforce of Power is resonating! Ha! At long last, I have found you...Princess Zelda! [...] Feigning ignorance will gain you nothing! Tell me... If you are not Zelda, then why do you have this fragment of the Triforce?|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref>
   
Zelda as Tetra displayed a tomboyish demeanor, taking challenges head on and even seeming bossy at times. At the beginning of the game, she does not think much of Link due to his habit of taking actions without thinking things through, and also due to the fact that he gets melancholic as they are setting sail to the Forsaken Fortress to rescue his sister.<ref>{{cite|There you go... Acting before you think, as usual... I swear! Do you even realize that we had to draw that monster bird off for you? It was about to come flying in here after you again!|Tetra|TWW}}</ref> Once Tetra discovers her true identity, she gains more respect towards the young hero, and apologizes for all that has happened to him and [[Aryll]].<ref>{{Cite|Everything that's happened to you and your poor sister... It's all been my fault. ...I'm so sorry.|Tetra|TWW}}</ref> While Link and the [[King of Red Lions]] set out to look for the pieces of the Triforce of Courage, Zelda stays hidden away in a basement located inside Hyrule Castle in order to prevent getting caught by Ganondorf.<ref>{{cite|Zelda... It is far too dangerous for you to join us in this task. Fortunately, this sacred chamber is not yet known to Ganon. It is my wish that you wait here in hiding until we return.|King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> However, she is eventually found and is taken to Ganon's Tower, where Link must rescue her after assembling the Triforce of Courage.<ref>{{cite|Did you think you'd be safe inside the castle? Foolish... Now that my power has been restored, there is no safe haven for you! I have taken your precious Zelda.|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref>
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Zelda as Tetra displayed a tomboyish demeanor, taking challenges head on and even seeming bossy at times. At the beginning of the game, she does not think much of Link due to his habit of taking actions without thinking things through, and also due to the fact that he gets melancholic as they are setting sail to the Forsaken Fortress to rescue his sister.<ref>{{Cite|There you go... Acting before you think, as usual... I swear! Do you even realize that we had to draw that monster bird off for you? It was about to come flying in here after you again!|Tetra|TWW}}</ref> Once Tetra discovers her true identity, she gains more respect towards the young hero, and apologizes for all that has happened to him and [[Aryll]].<ref>{{Cite|Everything that's happened to you and your poor sister... It's all been my fault. ...I'm so sorry.|Tetra|TWW}}</ref> While Link and the [[King of Red Lions]] set out to look for the pieces of the Triforce of Courage, Zelda stays hidden away in a basement located inside Hyrule Castle in order to prevent getting caught by Ganondorf.<ref>{{Cite|Zelda... It is far too dangerous for you to join us in this task. Fortunately, this sacred chamber is not yet known to Ganon. It is my wish that you wait here in hiding until we return.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> However, she is eventually found and is taken to Ganon's Tower, where Link must rescue her after assembling the Triforce of Courage.<ref>{{Cite|Did you think you'd be safe inside the castle? Foolish... Now that my power has been restored, there is no safe haven for you! I have taken your precious Zelda.|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref>
   
Zelda from ''The Wind Waker'' is the first Zelda in the series that fights along Link's side in his battle against Ganondorf. In battle, she wields the [[bow]] and [[Light Arrow]]s, similar to her ''Twilight Princess'' counterpart.<ref name="bow"/> Once Link and Zelda succeed in delivering the final blow, they witness the second flood of Hyrule and promise the [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|King of Hyrule]] to search for the new land that will be home to the next kingdom of Hyrule.<ref>{{cite|W-Wait! You could... You could come with us! Yes, of course... We have a ship! We can find it! We WILL find it! The land that will be the next Hyrule!|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref> Zelda is last seen as Tetra when she and Link set sail from [[Outset Island]] in search for new lands.<ref>{{cite|As for our destination... The wind will guide us!|Tetra|TWW}}</ref>
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Zelda from {{TWW|-}} is the first Zelda in the series that fights along Link's side in his battle against Ganondorf. In battle, she wields the [[bow]] and [[Light Arrow]]s, similar to her {{TP|-}} counterpart.<ref name="Bow"/> Once Link and Zelda succeed in delivering the final blow, they witness the second flood of Hyrule and promise the [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|King of Hyrule]] to search for the new land that will be home to the next kingdom of Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|W-Wait! You could... You could come with us! Yes, of course... We have a ship! We can find it! We WILL find it! The land that will be the next Hyrule!|Princess Zelda|TWW}}</ref> Zelda is last seen as Tetra when she and Link set sail from [[Outset Island]] in search for new lands.<ref>{{Cite|As for our destination... The wind will guide us!|Tetra|TWW}}</ref>
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<br/>
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{{Figurine|TWW|Princess Zelda}}
{{Figurine|TWW|Princess Zelda|Princess Zelda is the legitimate heir to the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Hyrulean royal family]]. She is actually the pirate [[Tetra]].|[[File:Princess Zelda Figurine TWW.png|50px]]}}
 
 
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===''Phantom Hourglass''===
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==={{PH|-}}===
Princess Zelda appears in this game solely as Tetra, her alter ego in {{TWW}}. She does not regain her royal persona, although quite often when she appears, “[[Zelda's Lullaby]]” plays in the background, and she is called "Zelda" by some of the pirates during the game's intro,<ref>{{cite|Princess Zelda, we're nearly at that spot in the sea!|Mako|PH}}</ref> much to Tetra's chagrin.<ref>{{cite|I told you not to call me Zelda! Tetra worked just fine before, you know.|Tetra|PH}}</ref> Her role is somewhat limited in the game as she is kidnapped early on in the story, and when Link finds her at last she has been turned to stone.<ref>{{cite|That Ghost Ship is REALLY, REALLY DANGEROUS! I was almost frozen forever on that thing! Link saved me. You wouldn't believe what he went through!|Tetra|PH}}</ref>
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Princess Zelda appears in this game solely as Tetra, her alter ego in {{TWW}}. She does not regain her royal persona, although quite often when she appears, “[[Zelda's Lullaby]]” plays in the background, and she is called "Zelda" by some of the pirates during the game's intro,<ref>{{Cite|Princess Zelda, we're nearly at that spot in the sea!|Mako|PH}}</ref> much to Tetra's chagrin.<ref>{{Cite|I told you not to call me Zelda! Tetra worked just fine before, you know.|Tetra|PH}}</ref> Her role is somewhat limited in the game as she is kidnapped early on in the story, and when Link finds her at last she has been turned to stone.<ref>{{Cite|That Ghost Ship is REALLY, REALLY DANGEROUS! I was almost frozen forever on that thing! Link saved me. You wouldn't believe what he went through!|Tetra|PH}}</ref>
   
After Link defeats [[Bellum]], he and Tetra awaken on the Ghost Ship, only ten minutes after the prologue according to the pirates.<ref>{{cite|What are you talking about? You were only on that ship... about ten minutes.|N/A|PH}}</ref> Tetra's crew tries to convince her that it was just a dream, but Link finds the [[Phantom Hourglass (Item)|Phantom Hourglass]] in his pocket, and the [[S.S. Linebeck]] is seen sailing in the distance.
+
After Link defeats [[Bellum]], he and Tetra awaken on the Ghost Ship, only ten minutes after the prologue according to the pirates.<ref>{{Cite|What are you talking about? You were only on that ship... about ten minutes.|N/A|PH}}</ref> Tetra's crew tries to convince her that it was just a dream, but Link finds the {{Term|PH|Phantom Hourglass (Item)|link}} in his pocket, and the [[SS Linebeck]] is seen sailing in the distance.
   
 
<small>(This Zelda is the same one from {{TWW}})</small>
 
<small>(This Zelda is the same one from {{TWW}})</small>
 
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{{clear}}
   
===''Spirit Tracks''===
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==={{ST|-}}===
:''See also: [[Phantom#Phantom Zelda|Phantom Zelda]], [[Possessed Zelda#Spirit Tracks|Possessed Zelda]]''
+
:''See also: [[Phantom Zelda]], [[Possessed Zelda#Spirit Tracks|Possessed Zelda]]''
  +
{{Manual|ST|Princess Zelda|The princess of Hyrule kingdom. Her physical form is taken by Chancellor Cole as part of an evil plot to resurrect the Demon King. She joins Link on his adventure in her spirit form.}}
{{Image|image=Ghost Zelda.png|type=caption|size=150px|position=right|caption=Zelda as a ghost in ''Spirit Tracks''|captionalign=center}}
 
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[[File:ST Princess Zelda Spirit Flute Model.png|thumb|left|x200px|{{Term|ST|Princess Zelda}} with the {{Term|ST|Spirit Flute}}]]
The Zelda in {{ST}} is the tenth Zelda appearing in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Adult Timeline branch.
 
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The Zelda in {{ST}} is the tenth Zelda appearing in the {{TLoZ|-}} series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Adult Timeline branch.
   
Princess Zelda plays a much larger role in {{ST}} than in previous installments, as she herself also aids Link in the salvation of Hyrule. Near the beginning of the game, Link travels to [[Hyrule Castle#Spirit Tracks|Hyrule Castle]] to see Zelda and become an official train conductor. Because he is an engineer and the apprentice of [[Alfonzo]], who was once the head of the castle guard, Zelda asks Link to secretly meet her in her quarters later to discuss something with him. Zelda explains to Link that she needs to get to the [[Tower of Spirits]] to personally investigate the disappearance of the [[Spirit Tracks (Rails)|Spirit Tracks]], which she attributes to something that [[Chancellor Cole]] is hiding.
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Princess Zelda plays a much larger role in {{ST}} than in previous installments, as she herself also aids Link in the salvation of Hyrule. Near the beginning of the game, Link travels to [[Hyrule Castle#Spirit Tracks|Hyrule Castle]] to see Zelda and become an official train conductor. Because he is an engineer and the apprentice of [[Alfonzo]], who was once the head of the castle guard, Zelda asks Link to secretly meet her in her quarters later to discuss something with him. Zelda explains to Link that she needs to get to the [[Tower of Spirits]] to personally investigate the disappearance of the {{Term|ST|Spirit Tracks (Object)|link}}, which she attributes to something that [[Chancellor Cole]] is hiding.
   
For the first time (not counting the non-canonical Phillips CD-i games), it is possible to play as Zelda herself as Link aids the princess to escape the castle. Afterward, Link, Zelda, and [[Alfonzo]] attempt to escape via train, but the train crashes due to the [[Spirit Tracks (Rails)|tracks]] disappearing beneath them. [[Chancellor Cole]] then appears to attack Zelda and take her body, which he hopes to use to revive the Demon King [[Malladus]]; however, Zelda's spirit escapes and returns to Hyrule Castle. There, she meets with Link, now the only one who can see her, to continue their way to the Tower of Spirits, where Zelda learns she can [[Phantom#Phantom Zelda|inhabit Phantoms]] to aid Link. After this, she and Link begin their journey to restore the Spirit Tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits to fortify the Malladus's prison and thus prevent the resurrection of the Demon King.<ref>{{cite|To prevent him from possessing your body, you must fortify his prison. To do this, restore the energy between the temples and this tower. In other words... Restore the tracks between here and the temples.|Anjean|ST}}</ref>
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For the first time (not counting the non-canonical Phillips CD-i games), it is possible to play as Zelda herself as Link aids the princess to escape the castle. Afterward, Link, Zelda, and [[Alfonzo]] attempt to escape via train, but the train crashes due to the [[Spirit Tracks (Object)|tracks]] disappearing beneath them. [[Chancellor Cole]] then appears to attack Zelda and take her body, which he hopes to use to revive the Demon King [[Malladus]]; however, Zelda's spirit escapes and returns to Hyrule Castle. There, she meets with Link, now the only one who can see her, to continue their way to the Tower of Spirits, where Zelda learns she can [[Phantom#Phantom Zelda|inhabit Phantoms]] to aid Link. After this, she and Link begin their journey to restore the Spirit Tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits to fortify the Malladus's prison and thus prevent the resurrection of the Demon King.<ref>{{Cite|To prevent him from possessing your body, you must fortify his prison. To do this, restore the energy between the temples and this tower. In other words... Restore the tracks between here and the temples.|Anjean|ST}}</ref>
   
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{{Image|image=ST Princess Zelda Artwork 2.png|type=caption|size=150px|position=right|caption=Zelda as a ghost in {{ST|-}}|captionalign=center}}
Zelda's body is eventually possessed by the resurrected Malladus, although Link frees it by firing a [[Light Arrow]]. Despite this, Zelda is unable to reenter her body, and just as Malladus is about to possess it again, Byrne uses his power to repel the Demon King, giving Zelda the strength to pray to her grandmother Tetra to reclaim her body.<ref>{{cite|Tetra! Please give me your blessing!|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> In the final battle, Zelda, finally back in her own body, charges up her power to weaken the Demon King, which reveals a weak spot on the demon's back.<ref>{{cite|[Link]! I'm going to concentrate on channeling my power. While I do that, please protect me from Malladus!|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Like in previous games, Princess Zelda's role consists of shooting Light Arrows at Malladus's back from the [[Bow of Light]].<ref>{{cite|You distract Malladus, [Link]. When I see an opportunity, I'll shoot him in the back with the Bow of Light.|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Just as Link realizes that he cannot make the final blow to Malladus using the [[Lokomo Sword]] on his own, Princess Zelda rushes over to help the young hero, defeating the demon once and for all.<ref>{{cite|I'll be right there. Hold on!|Princess Zelda|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Anjean and the rest of the Lokomos depart to the heavens, entrusting Link and Zelda to watch over the land for them.<ref>{{cite|Please watch over this land, my dear. And, [Link]... You must help her.|Anjean|Spirit Tracks}}</ref> Link and Zelda are then seen holding hands as they witness the departure of the Lokomos.
 
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Zelda's body is eventually possessed by the resurrected Malladus, although Link frees it by firing a [[Light Arrow]]. Despite this, Zelda is unable to reenter her body, and just as Malladus is about to possess it again, Byrne uses his power to repel the Demon King, giving Zelda the strength to pray to her grandmother Tetra to reclaim her body.<ref>{{Cite|Tetra! Please give me your blessing!|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> In the final battle, Zelda, finally back in her own body, charges up her power to weaken the Demon King, which reveals a weak spot on the demon's back.<ref>{{Cite|[Link]! I'm going to concentrate on channeling my power. While I do that, please protect me from Malladus!|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> Like in previous games, Princess Zelda's role consists of shooting Light Arrows at Malladus's back from the [[Bow of Light]].<ref>{{Cite|You distract Malladus, [Link]. When I see an opportunity, I'll shoot him in the back with the Bow of Light.|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> Just as Link realizes that he cannot make the final blow to Malladus using the [[Lokomo Sword]] on his own, Princess Zelda rushes over to help the young hero, defeating the demon once and for all.<ref>{{Cite|I'll be right there. Hold on!|Princess Zelda|ST}}</ref> Anjean and the rest of the Lokomos depart to the heavens, entrusting Link and Zelda to watch over the land for them.<ref>{{Cite|Please watch over this land, my dear. And, [Link]... You must help her.|Anjean|ST}}</ref> Link and Zelda are then seen holding hands as they witness the departure of the Lokomos.
   
 
After the ending credits, Princess Zelda can be seen at her office signing papers and, depending on whether Link chose to be an engineer or a warrior, she will go look out the window and wave at Link upon hearing either a train whistle or swords clanking. If Link selects "Dunno", then Zelda will be signing papers and simply remember the adventure she had with Link.
 
After the ending credits, Princess Zelda can be seen at her office signing papers and, depending on whether Link chose to be an engineer or a warrior, she will go look out the window and wave at Link upon hearing either a train whistle or swords clanking. If Link selects "Dunno", then Zelda will be signing papers and simply remember the adventure she had with Link.
   
This Princess Zelda is confirmed to be a direct descendant of [[Tetra]],<ref name=spirittracks>{{cite book|quote=The Princess Zelda spoken of here is the fifth of her line, the great-great grandchild of Tetra.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|publisher=Dark Horse Books|page=133}}</ref> the pirate captain who was also the incarnation of Princess Zelda in her day, and makes an appearance in a large stained glass window in Hyrule Castle's Throne Room.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://hyrule.net/forum/index.php?/topic/13369-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-%E2%80%93-details-and-spoilers/page__pid__260560__st__0&#entry260560|title=Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Details and Spoilers|site=Hyrule.net}}</ref> Princess Zelda states that the [[Spirit Flute]] was played for her in her youth by her grandmother, and Anjean states that she gave the Spirit Flute to Tetra long ago, pointing out the similarities between the reigning Princess Zelda and her ancestor, the feisty pirate captain that arrived on the land's shores long ago.
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This Princess Zelda is confirmed to be a direct descendant of [[Tetra]],<ref name="Grandchild"/> the pirate captain who was also the incarnation of Princess Zelda in her day, and makes an appearance in a large stained glass window in Hyrule Castle's Throne Room.<ref>{{Cite Web|url= http://hyrule.net/forum/index.php?/topic/13369-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracks-%E2%80%93-details-and-spoilers/page__pid__260560__st__0&#entry260560|title=Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Details and Spoilers|site=Hyrule.net}}</ref> Princess Zelda states that the [[Spirit Flute]] was played for her in her youth by her grandmother, and Anjean states that she gave the Spirit Flute to Tetra long ago, pointing out the similarities between the reigning Princess Zelda and her ancestor, the feisty pirate captain that arrived on the land's shores long ago.
 
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==Unknown Timeline==
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==Great Calamity==
===''Breath of the Wild''===
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==={{BotW|-}}===
  +
{{ImageCaption
In {{BotW}}, Zelda is not only the princess of Hyrule, she is also an aspiring scholar who is very curious.{{Fact}} She is also the leader of the [[Champion]]s of Hyrule.{{Fact}} Zelda is the mysterious voice that guides Link throughout his journey while she contains Calamity Ganon inside of Hyrule Castle.
 
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|image= File:BotW Zelda The Champions' Ballad Artwork.png
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|size= x200px
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|align= right
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|caption= Artwork of Zelda from<br/>''[[The Champions' Ballad]]''
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|captionalign=
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}}
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In {{BotW|-}}, Zelda is not only the princess of Hyrule, she is also an aspiring scholar who is very curious.<ref>{{Cite|Father has told me time and time again... He always says, "Quit wasting your time playing at being a scholar!"|Zelda|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I...I was assessing the results of the experiment with the Guardians. These pieces of ancient technology could be quite useful against the—|Zelda|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Is that what I think it is?! Look at this! I don't believe it, but I actually caught one! This delicacy is known to have very, very potent effects under the proper circumstances. Ta-da! Research from the castle shows ingesting one of these can actually augment certain abilities. We wouldn't be in a controlled environment out here, and with your level of physical fitness...you'd be a perfect candidate for the study! Go on! Taste it!|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> She is also the leader of the [[Champion]]s of Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|With the princess as their commander, we dubbed these pilots Champions|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> Zelda is the mysterious voice that guides Link throughout his journey while she contains [[Calamity Ganon]] inside of Hyrule Castle.
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Zelda has been training to unlock her sealing powers passed down the royal family since she was 7 years old, one year after [[Queen of Hyrule|her mother]] unexpectedly passed away. With her mother gone there was nobody else around with the sacred power who could teach her how to use it, leaving Zelda to figure it out on her own.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= CaC |publisher= |page= 379}}</ref> 100 years prior to the events of {{BotW|-}}, Zelda met with the Champions. After meeting with them, she left the Castle to research [[Ancient Technology|ancient technology]], but she did not come across anything of note.<ref>{{Cite|After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research.|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> During this time, she felt the presence of Ganon and devoted herself to learning all she could about ancient relics in order to stop him.<ref>{{Cite|The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him.|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> She then met with a fortune teller who told her a prophecy, to which Zelda felt that there was not much time left.<ref>{{Cite|If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left...|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> The following day, Link was appointed as Zelda's knight, to Zelda's chagrin.<ref>{{Cite|P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight...|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> During the ceremony, Urbosa explains that Link is a living reminder of Zelda's own failures.<ref>{{Cite|That boy is a living reminder of her own failures.|Urbosa|BotW}}</ref> Link and Zelda then set out to [[Goron City]] to make adjustments to the {{Term|BotW|Divine Beast Vah Rudania|link}} to make it easier for [[Daruk]] to control.<ref>{{Cite|From here, we'll make our way to Goron City. Then, we'll need some adjustments on that Divine Beast so Daruk can manage it as easily as possible..|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> During their journey to [[Eldin (Region)|Eldin]], Zelda comes to a stop and asks him how proficient he is wielding his [[Master Sword|Sword]] and asks him if he can hear the voice within the blade.<ref>{{Cite|Tell me the truth... How proficient are you right now, wielding that sword on your back? Legend says that an ancient voice resonates inside it. Can you hear it yet...hero?|Zelda|BotW}}</ref>
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During her time with Link, Zelda wonders why he never speaks.<ref>{{Cite|I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passed his lips. I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say.|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> Link's initial silence causes Zelda to believe that Link despised her due to her inability to use sealing power despite being a daughter of Hyrule's royal family.<ref>{{Cite|What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me.|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> Later on, Zelda discovers an [[Ancient Shrine]] and fails to open it.<ref>{{Cite|Nothing. Just as I thought. Hmm... It appears that this structure was designed to be exclusively accessed by the sword's chosen one. (...) How do I get inside...?|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> Link arrives at the scene, which angers Zelda and causes her to lash out.<ref>{{Cite|I thought I made it clear that I am not in need of an escort. It seems I'm the only one with a mind of my own. I, the person in question, am fine, regardless of the king's orders.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> She tells Link to return to the castle<ref>{{Cite|Return to the castle. And tell that to my father, please.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> and testily demands he stop following her, regardless of the [[King Rhoam|King]]'s orders.<ref>{{Cite|And stop following me!|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> Later on, Zelda travels to the [[Gerudo Desert]] and is ambushed by the [[Yiga Clan]]. Link rescues her right before a [[Yiga Footsoldier|Yiga assassin]] is about to kill her, striking him down and causing the other two Yiga to flee. This causes Zelda to change her attitude towards Link, valuing his devotion to protect her.<ref>{{Cite|I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever. He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan. Though I've been cold to him all this time...taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn... Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that.|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> Over the course of their journey, both start to open up to each other and realize how similar they are in their hardships of fulfilling their respective tasks.<ref>{{Cite|Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. (...) With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well...|Zelda's Diary|BotW}}</ref> Her growing care and relationship towards Link plays a crucial role in awakening her [[Triforce|legendary abilities]],<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= CaC|publisher= |page= 388}}</ref> as Link sacrifices himself to save Zelda's life during the [[Great Calamity#Second Great Calamity|second Great Calamity]] and Zelda's powers awaken when she tries to rescue the wounded Link from a Guardian.<ref>{{Cite|Her appointed knight gives his life, Shields her figure, and pays the price. The princess's love for her fallen knight awakens her power / And within the castle the Calamity is forced to cower.|Kass's Song|BotW}}</ref> Zelda hears a voice inside the Master Sword saying that Link can be saved and orders the Sheikah to transport Link to the Shrine of Resurrection. Then, she goes to the Korok Forest and places the Master Sword in its pedestal to recover. Zelda then spends the next 100 years inside Hyrule Castle with Calamity Ganon, keeping the demon in place within the Castle to prevent the destruction of the entirety of Hyrule. After Link awakens, she then telepathically guides him throughout his journey. Unfortunately, she was not able to hold off Calamity Ganon for much longer before he developed a rudimentary body. After Link managed to disable Calamity Ganon's most powerful form, [[Dark Beast Ganon]], she was freed, and proceeded to destroy Calamity Ganon's essence. She then reconvened with Link for the first time in a hundred years, and asked him if he still remembered her (as Link was initially left with amnesia thanks to his near-death experience). Some time later, she alongside Link left for Lake Hylia in order to investigate what caused the Divine Beast Vah Ruta to stop working, and that they ultimately need to restore Hyrule back to its former glory.
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It is implied in one of the songs written by [[Kass]]’ teacher that Princess Zelda held romantic feelings for Link. This song can be found after completing the end of the game, and speaking to Kass on the platform by the Ahk Va’quot Shrine in [[Rito Village]].
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Her favorite food is [[Food#Fruitcake|Fruitcake]], as revealed by a recipe in a book in the Library in Hyrule Castle.<ref>{{Cite|The Royal Family's Secret Recipe #1<br/>The Princess's Favorite: {{Color|BotW Red|Fruitcake}}<br/>Boil any two (or more) pieces of fruit with Tabantha wheat and cane sugar for a good while. Eating this dish will apparently clear your head and help you focus on things such as ancient technology research.|The Royal Family's Secret Recipe 1|BotW}}</ref>
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==={{TotK|-}}===
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{{Stub|TotK}}
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{{Term|TotK|Zelda}} appears in {{TotK}}, picking up where the true ending of ''Breath of the Wild'' left off. On their quest to restore the land of Hyrule after the Calamity's damage, Zelda and Link leave the Master Sword in the Great Deku Tree's care. Some time later, they return to retrieve it, where the Great Deku Tree elaborates on Master Sword's self-regenerative properties and its growth from exposure to sacred energy.
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At some point in the following years, Zelda and Link discover a strange, dubious substance seeping out from underneath Hyrule Castle, and begin to traverse the castle's underground chambers to investigate. They eventually discover a large mural detailing the Imprisoning War, though the latter portions of the mural are covered by rubble. Proceeding deeper into the chamber, the pair come across a mysterious scene - a gaunt husk of a Gerudo man, seeping with some sort of Malice and sealed away by an ethereal hand pinned to its chest. Unbeknownst to the pair, the sealed corpse is [[Ganondorf]], the Demon King of eons past, having been thwarted by [[King Rauru|Rauru]], a [[Zonai]] and the founding King of Hyrule, whose arm is all that remains. Rauru's arm eventually falls off of Ganondorf's body, the secret stone embedded within tumbling out of the socket, where it is picked up by Zelda. Unfortunately, with the seal broken, Ganondorf returns to life and immediately attacks the pair with a frenzied burst of Malice, potent enough to decay Link's arm and cause the Master Sword to shatter upon impact, sending a shard flying into Ganondorf's cheek, slightly wounding him. Ganondorf is amused that the pair could not accomplish anything despite Rauru's faith in them both, and uses his dark magic to send a blast of Malice upward, raising Hyrule Castle from the ground as he falls into the Depths below. Zelda also stumbles, and despite Link attempting to catch her, appears to fall into the Depths while Link is saved by Rauru's arm, which attaches to his right shoulder in place of his corrupted arm. However, Rauru's secret stone amplifies Zelda's dormant power over time, transporting her back in time, directly to Rauru's era.
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King Rauru and [[Queen Sonia]] eventually stumble across the unconscious Zelda in a field. Upon her awakening and an exchange of introductions with the two, a surprised Zelda quickly realizes how far she had been flung into the past. Rauru also believes her, noticing the similarities between her and Sonia (that being her time-based power and her secret stone), and Sonia elaborates further that she had already sensed Zelda was a descendant of the pair, as well as detecting Rauru's power of light within Zelda as well. Though Zelda is anxious to return to her original era, Sonia comforts her, telling her to come to the castle, as it may take time for an answer to come to her. Additionally, Rauru suggest that his older sister [[Mineru]] may be able to help Zelda further.
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Traveling with the royal pair, Zelda receives new Zonai clothing and eventually meets Mineru, giving her the [[Purah Pad]] to examine. Mineru quickly determines the device is not of the current era, but believes she can get the travel functionality to work again. Zelda allows her to borrow it, and is pleased to hear that Mineru believes her story. Mineru then explains the nature of the secret stones - powerful artifacts that, while unable to help a holder refine their power, greatly amplify it instead. For Zelda, she reveals, the secret stone directly amplifies her power over time rather than light, which would explain how she was suddenly transported to the past. Since Zelda isn't sure how to use her power to return home, the secret stone is of little use to her. However, Mineru also explains a forbidden act known as "[[draconification]]" in which an individual ingests a secret stone to transform themselves, shedding their former self to become an "immortal dragon, one blessed with eternal life". Mineru is personally against the idea, since Zelda would be compromising her person completely, and apologizes for being unable to help further. While Zelda is dejected, Rauru still suggests there is reason for her to have hope, as if she can study and learn to control her time power with Sonia's help, she might be able to return home on her own.
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The kingdom is eventually alerted to an approaching swarm of [[Molduga]], commanded by [[Ganondorf]]. To defeat them, Rauru channels energy with the help of his secret stone, and Sonia uses hers to help increase Rauru's power, enveloped in a golden aura. Prompted by Sonia, Zelda attempts to do the same, and to the surprise of both herself and Sonia, generates an even larger aura than Sonia's. With their powers combined, Rauru's subsequent blast of light easily disposes of the Molduga swarm. Following these events, Ganondorf arrives in the kingdom, swearing fealty to King Rauru before leaving. Zelda speaks her misgivings about the Gerudo leader's intentions to Rauru, especially concerned regarding his name's similarity to that of Calamity Ganon's. Rauru reveals he is aware of Ganondorf's evil nature, but is confident in keeping him close by to observe him more easily. Zelda relents, but her face remains worried.
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Some time later, Zelda meets with Sonia and Rauru for tea, but accidentally knocks over one of the cups. Sonia returns it to the table with Recall and notes Zelda's anxiety, revealing she understands how the princess is torn between helping them and returning to her own era. However, she encourages Zelda to focus on her return through time, especially in order to put Link's mind at ease. At the mentioning of Link, Rauru interjects, not knowing the name, so Zelda explains her history with Link, revealing his heroic actions and determined personality to the two.
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One night, Sonia and Zelda are alerted to the presence of a fake Zelda, created by Ganondorf, and prepare a trap for the imposter. When the fake Zelda attempts to dispatch Sonia with a blade, Sonia reveals her awareness of the imposter's true nature, and Zelda - having further trained her time powers - catches the blade with Recall before it can reach the Hylian queen. Despite the exposed scheme, the false Zelda laughs before dissolving into darkness, and Sonia is subsequently executed with a surprise strike to the back by Ganondorf, who had infiltrated the castle. Distraught, Zelda rushes to the unconscious queen's side, but to no avail, as Ganondorf had already snatched Sonia's secret stone for himself. Laughing, he begins to emanate malice and gloom as he places the secret stone on his forehead, transforming into the Demon King in a crimson cyclone. Zelda can only watch as the transformation completes and the moon turns [[Blood Moon|a blood-red color]]. With an outstretched hand, Demon King Ganondorf summons a massive army of monsters to terrorize Hyrule. Rauru enters the room, infuriated by Ganondorf's actions, but Zelda convinces him to try and protect Sonia instead. As Ganondorf blasts Malice at the trio, Rauru defends the women with a shield of light, but is clearly outmatched. Just before the Malice consumes them all, Zelda pulls out the Purah Pad and uses the Mineru-repaired travel function to transport the three out of the room.
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Ganondorf's new power allows him to quickly begin devastating the land of Hyrule. Within the confines of a location presently known as the [[Forgotten Temple]], Zelda meets with Rauru, Mineru, and their masked aides - a Goron, a Gerudo, a Zora, and a Rito. After declaring their union, Rauru reveals the presence of four more secret stones to the group, granting them to the aides. Later, Zelda meets Rauru by the grave of the now-deceased Sonia, who did not survive her injury. Zelda reveals the rest of her circumstances to Rauru, recalling how she and Link discovered a mummified corpse underground she can now clearly identify as Ganondorf, and is terrified at the prospect of being unable to defeat the Demon King in the current past. Seeing Rauru's right arm worries her even more, as she realizes what the king's fate will be. Rauru, however, is accepting of his path, prepared to make up for his hubris and live up to his duty as ruler. Zelda is then surprised to hear Rauru say that Link, with the Master Sword in tow, will be Hyrule's last line of defense. Additionally, Rauru reminds Zelda that the future she lives in is one where she never appeared in the past, and her presence in the past era must have some significance - that is, she was sent to the past for a reason. Rauru then departs, leaving Zelda wondering what her purpose in the past truly is.
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The ancient war between good and evil reaches its climax during the king and his Sages' confrontation with Ganondorf. With the Demon King's power proving too much for even their combined powers, Rauru prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to seal Ganondorf away. As Mineru collapses, the remaining four Sages use the last of their strength to launch their weapons at Ganondorf, who evades them easily. Zelda attempts to use Recall to send the weapons back at the Demon King, but Ganondorf anticipates the technique and smacks them aside. However, this provides Rauru with the perfect opportunity to surprise-attack Ganondorf with a punch to his abdomen, binding his heart and stealing his magic to hold him in place for as long as he possibly can. With the Demon King sealed, the "[[Imprisoning War (Tears of the Kingdom)|Imprisoning War]]" is brought to an end, but the victory is at best bittersweet - and dangerously temporary.
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Later, in the [[Temple of Time (Sky)|Temple of Time]], Zelda reflects on the botched success of the group's efforts to defeat Ganondorf, recalling how easily the Master Sword shattered against a weakened Ganondorf's powers despite a flying shard cutting the Gerudo's cheek, and remains unsure if Link can live up to Rauru's expectations. Just then, her secret stone begins to glow. She walks outside to the temple's altar, where a golden light seems to resonate with her secret stone. Approaching the light, Zelda watches with amazement as the damaged Master Sword appears from it, landing in her hands. Zelda is astonished at the Master Sword's presence, but then the sword (presumably the spirit of [[Fi]]) speaks to her with a bluish glow, informing her that Link is safe and that it had traveled back to the past on purpose to recover and build up enough strength to destroy Ganondorf. Finally, Zelda realizes her purpose in the past - to safeguard the Master Sword as it rejuvenates, and return it to Link when the time comes.
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Thinking back on Mineru's explanation of draconification, Zelda becomes determined to undergo the process in order to fulfill her purpose, as her sacred powers of light would greatly energize the Master Sword over time. Though Mineru initially remains against the idea, she eventually relents after Zelda reaffirms her decision, agreeing to help both Zelda and Link in spirit even if her body perishes. Afterwards, the two devise their strategy: Mineru would use her powers as the Sage of Spirit to transfer her soul to the Purah Pad before the gloom took its full toll on her physical body, while Zelda would go through with draconification to protect the Master Sword, which Link would hopefully retrieve in the present day.
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After giving a Zonai attendant the Purah Pad, with Mineru inhabiting it, Zelda steels herself, then swallows Rauru's secret stone. As the sky darkens, Zelda becomes bathed in a brilliant light, but is overcome with pain. Staggering towards the Master Sword, she is eventually able to grasp it, holding it to her chest as the light intensifies and the ground begins to shake. Crying out for Link to protect Hyrule one last time, her eyes suddenly turn draconic as the light explodes into a colossal dome of energy, engulfing her as she transforms into the [[Light Dragon]] and soars into the air with a roar. The four remaining Sages look on as the dragon's tears, containing Zelda's last remaining memories, leave her, scattering across the land. With the Master Sword embedded in the Light Dragon's head, it begins the long, arduous process of healing and strengthening, constantly protected by Zelda's heartbreaking sacrifice.
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In the present day, Link - with Impa's assistance - discovers that the tears have created large, glowing markings on the earth known as geoglyphs. Upon reaching pools of mystical water in each geoglyph, one of the Light Dragon's tears appears before him, allowing him to experience Zelda's memories in the past and gradually piece them together. The final tear, shed by the Light Dragon in the present, details the memory of Zelda's draconification and vow to the hero. Seeking out the Great Deku Tree for knowledge, Link and the elder tree find out that the presence of the Master Sword is constantly shifting. Taking to the skies, Link eventually lands atop the Light Dragon and - discovering the Master Sword in the dragon's head - attempts to unsheathe it. The Light Dragon does not take kindly to this, and begins writhing and roaring as if trying to throw Link off. However, with at least twice his base stamina, Link is able to hang on for dear life. The Light Dragon then realizes it is Link who attempts to reclaim the sacred blade and stops trying to thwart him, instead flying into the skies above, revealing an endless, golden realm of light.
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The hairs of the Light Dragon untwist from the Master Sword, allowing Link to finally pull it out of the dragon's head and raise it skyward. Link then experiences a vision of Zelda before she draconified, where the princess reminds him of the Master Sword's first loss to the Demon King, but promises that with her sacred strength reinforcing them both, they can turn the tides. Calling Link her final hope, she prays that the sword would reach him in the future. Upon exiting the sacred sky, the Light Dragon drops Link off at the Temple of Time before flying off into the distance.
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The Light Dragon later returns to confront Ganondorf, having also undergone draconification to become the [[Demon Dragon]], in the game's final battle. Upon seeing the Light Dragon, the Demon Dragon roars in anger, releasing Link from its jaws. Before the exhausted Link can plummet to his doom, the Light Dragon catches him in mid-air, and the two fly back up to confront the Demon Dragon in an skyward showdown.
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Link finally slays the Demon Dragon with the revitalized sword of legend, and both he and the Light Dragon watch as the embodiment of evil detonates in a crimson geyser of light. Suddenly, both Link and the Light Dragon enter a mysterious realm containing nothing but a swirl of green clouds. Rauru's arm begins to glow and extend towards the Light Dragon, releasing tiny particles of energy towards it. Rauru and Sonia's spirits appear on either side of Link, covering his hand with their own to add more even more energy. The light eventually envelops the dragon whole, and after a bright flash, Zelda returns to her natural form. As Rauru and Sonia's spirits depart for the afterlife, Link and the unconscious Zelda are transported back to Hyrule, falling from the sky. With all the remaining strength he can muster, Link dives after Zelda, catching her just before they land in a lake.
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Zelda awakens, and is surprised to see Link with her, but notices he wears the restored Master Sword in its sheath, and realizes that the Demon King has been vanquished, wondering if she is dreaming. Overjoyed at Link's victory, she suddenly stops, questioning how she made it to the present day, but then understands that she had been "sleeping" throughout the passage of time, but when she felt something akin to a "warm, loving embrace", she woke up. Looking at the raised Hyrule Castle, she then turns to Link, excited to tell him all about ancient Hyrule and the people she met, before happily declaring that she's back home.<ref>{{Cite|Link, I met such wonderful people. I saw Hyrule as it was. I have so much to tell you. So much happened! Oh, Link... I'm home!|Princess Zelda|TotK}}</ref>
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Some time later, Zelda, Link, Mineru (who had inhabited a Zonai construct), Purah, the new Sages (Tulin, Riju, Sidon and Yunobo) all arrive atop the Temple of Time to take in the view, per Mineru's request. After revealing how Rauru and Sonia must have channeled their powers into Link to change Zelda back, Mineru's spirit then departs to join her brother and her sister-in-law for the afterlife, but not before the new Sages make a declaration to support Zelda and protect Hyrule, much like Mineru and the ancient Sages did long ago. With a final reflection on the life of the ancient Sages and royal family, Zelda asks her present-day allies to stand with her, overlooking the land of Hyrule.
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==Spinoff appearances==
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==={{ZG&W|-}}===
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{{Manual|ZG&W|Princess Zelda|Link's sweetheart who was kidnapped by the dragons and locked inside a deep dungeon.}}
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{{Stub|ZG&W}}
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===Philips CD-i games===
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===={{TFoE|-}}====
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[[File:TFoE Zelda Cutscene Sprite.png|right|150px]]
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In {{TFoE}}, Zelda is the daughter of [[King Harkinian]], whom she lives with in [[Hyrule Castle]]. She plays a small role in {{TFoE|-}}; when Link prepares to leave for [[Koridai]] after being informed that the island was captured by Ganon, he asks Zelda for a kiss of luck, but she rejects him. Later during his quest, Link and [[Gwonam]] learn that Zelda had been captured by Ganon during Link's absence and was put under a sleeping spell. While exploring [[Fortress Centrum]], Link finds her asleep in its tower, but she turns out to actually be [[Goronu (Boss)|Goronu]] in disguise who ambushes him. After defeating Ganon, Link finds the real Zelda asleep in her cell in [[Ganon's Lair]]. Her curse is broken and she awakes when Link rings a nearby gong. He exclaims that he just saved her, though she teasingly does not believe him. Gwonam then arrives to take the pair back to Hyrule, and Zelda again rejects Link when he asks for a kiss.
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===={{TWoG|-}}====
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Zelda plays a much larger role as the playable character in {{TWoG}}. She is informed by her father, King Harkinian, that the island of [[Gamelon]] was seized by Ganon, and its ruler [[Duke Onkled]] is in urgent need of assistance. Zelda pleads with her father not to go when he volunteers to leave for the island, but is instead ordered to send Link should he fail to return. [[Impa]] reassures Zelda that the King will safely return, according to the [[Triforce of Wisdom]]. Despite the Triforce's prophecy, both King Harkinian and Link go missing, prompting Zelda and Impa to go to Gamelon to find them. There Zelda ventures to defeat Ganon's minions, who have seized control of the island. She eventually learns of her father's capture and Duke Onkled's betrayal, and works with [[Lord Kiro]] in finding Duke Onkled and coercing him into revealing Ganon's location. At the end of her quest, Zelda confronts Ganon at [[Reesong Palace]] and defeats him with the [[Wand of Gamelon (Item)|Wand of Gamelon]], an item she found during her quest. Although King Harkinian is saved, Link remains missing, which Zelda quickly notices. [[Lady Alma]], a woman who Zelda met on her quest, disregards him and Zelda retaliates by breaking her mirror. This causes Link to inexplicably reappear, implying that he was trapped inside it. When asked what had happened, Zelda laughs and tells Link they are about to have a feast.
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===={{ZA|-}}====
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[[File:ZeldaZA.png|thumb|right|150px|Zelda in {{ZA|-}}]]
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In {{ZA}}, Zelda is once again the playable character. Unlike her appearance from the previous CD-i games, she appears to be more humble and does not speak at all, akin to Link in canon games. She wields the [[Items in Zelda's Adventure#Wand|Wand]] as opposed to a sword, which she uses as her main weapon and to cast offensive spells. She is summoned to [[Tolemac]] by the astronomer [[Gaspra]] as his chosen warrior to combat Ganon, who had stolen the land's [[Celestial Sign]]s and had captured Link. Zelda thus embarks on her mission to recover the seven Signs and rescue Link, guided by Gaspra and [[Shurmak]] along the way. She battles the keepers of Tolemac's Shrines where the Signs are kept, and meets many other helpful and tricky characters. Eventually she finds the final Celestial Sign, but is stopped by Ganon and thrown into a series of fights in the [[Vision Henge]], eventually leading to the final showdown with Ganon. Zelda defeats him, thus freeing Link and returning peace and light to Hyrule and Tolemac.
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==={{FPTRR|-}}===
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[[File:TRRZelda.png|right|70px]]
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{{Stub}}
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While Princess Zelda does not appear in person, she is depicted on [[Madame Scratchcard]]'s scratchcards.
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==={{HW|-}}===
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{{Image
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|image= HW Zelda Render.png
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|type= caption
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|size= 100px
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|position= right
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|caption= Zelda from<br/>{{HW|-}}
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|captionalign= center
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}}
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In {{HW}}, Princess Zelda is the leader of the [[Soldiers|Hyrulean Army]] and the princess of [[Hyrule]]. As an incarnation of Zelda, she is the embodiment of [[Hylia]] and holds the [[Triforce of Wisdom]]. She is a playable character who has a Rapier as her basic weapon and also utilizes her Bow and [[Light Arrow]]s. She uses a rapid combination of the Spells from {{OoT|-}} (Nayru's Love, Farore's Wind, and Din's Fire) as her Special Technique while she has her Focus Spirit enabled. She also has a unique mechanic where she can summon orbs of light to enhance her attacks.
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An alternate weapon she acquires is the Baton, with her default being the [[Wind Waker (Item)|Wind Waker]]. She uses it to conjure magical music made from wind and lightning in order to attack. While not as speedy as her default, she is given attacks with a lot more range and crowd control. Some of the songs she can use are "[[Saria's Song]]", the "[[Song of Storms]]", the "[[Earth God's Lyric]]", and the "[[Wind God's Aria]]".
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In the {{TP|-}} DLC Pack, her third weapon is the [[Dominion Rod]]. The rod can be used to summon and control one of two different statues at a time. They act as a second weapon in that they attack alongside the Rod's standard light-energy attacks. They also greatly increase the range and power of Zelda's regular attacks and combos. It is of the Dark Element.
   
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Zelda appears to be based upon her {{TP}} appearance, but slightly more stylized. Her default battle outfit is modeled on her usual pink dress but includes greaves, a fauld, gauntlets, pauldrons, and a breastplate. Her {{TP|-}}, {{OoT|-}}, and {{SS}} incarnations are included with the Wisdom costumes set.
100 years prior to the events ''Breath of the Wild'', Zelda met with the Champions. After meeting with them, she left the Castle to research ancient technology, but she did not come across anything of note.{{Fact}} During this time, she felt the presence of Ganon and devoted herself to learning all she could about ancient relics in order to stop him.{{Fact}} She then met with a fortune teller who told her a prophecy, to which Zelda felt that there was not much time left.{{Fact}} The following day, Link was appointed as Zelda's knight, to Zelda's chagrin.{{Fact}} During the ceremony, Urbosa explains that Link is a living reminder of Zelda's own failures.{{Fact}} Link and Zelda then set out to [[Goron City]] to make adjustments to the [[Divine Beast Vah Rudania (Dungeon)|Divine Beast Vah Rudania]] to make it easier for [[Daruk]] to control.{{Fact}} During their journey to [[Eldin (Region)|Eldin]], Zelda comes to a stop and asks him how proficient he is wielding his [[Master Sword|sword]] and asks him if he can hear the voice within the blade.{{Fact}}
 
   
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In {{HW|DE}}, her {{BotW}} outfit is included when completing the first [[Scenario]] along with Link's [[Champion Tunic]].
During her time with Link, Zelda wonders why he never speaks.{{Fact}} Link's initial silence causes Zelda to believe that Link despised her due to her inability to use sealing power despite being a daughter of Hyrule's royal family.{{Fact}} Later on, Zelda discovers a [[Shrine of Trials|Shrine]] and fails to open it.{{Fact}} Link arrives to the scene, which angers Zelda and causes her to lash out.{{Fact}} She tells Link to return to the castle and testily demands he stop following her, regardless of the [[King Rhoam|King]]'s orders.{{Fact}} Later on, Zelda travels to the [[Gerudo Desert]] and is ambushed by the [[Yiga|Yiga Clan]]. Link rescues her right before a [[Yiga Footsoldier|Yiga assassin]] could strike and defeats them. This causes Zelda to change her attitude towards Link, valuing his devotion to protect her.{{Fact}} Over the course of their journey, both start to open up to each other and realize how similar they are in their hardships of fulfilling their respective tasks.{{Fact}} Her growing care and relationship towards Link plays a crucial role in awakening her [[Triforce|legendary abilities]].{{Fact}}
 
  +
{{Noncanon|End}}
   
==Other Appearances==
+
==Other appearances==
 
{{Main|Princess Zelda/Other Appearances}}
 
{{Main|Princess Zelda/Other Appearances}}
Princess is also featured in other media, including comics based on the games, animated shows, and the [[ssb:Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. In some of her appearances, she is depicted as a brave, proud, and self-reliant fighter who is proficient in archery and horseback riding, such as in the [[The Legend of Zelda (Comic)|''Legend of Zelda'' comic]] and the [[The Legend of Zelda (TV series)|animated series]]. As with the games, she is the protector of the Triforce of Wisdom.
+
Princess is also featured in other media, including comics based on the games, animated shows, and the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)]]. In some of her appearances, she is depicted as a brave, proud, and self-reliant fighter who is proficient in archery and horseback riding, such as in the {{TLoZ|Valiant Comics}} and {{TLoZ|TV Series}}. As with the games, she is the protector of the Triforce of Wisdom.
   
==Alter Egos==
+
==Alter-egos==
 
===Sheik===
 
===Sheik===
  +
[[File:OoT Sheik Artwork.png|100px|left]]
 
{{Main|Sheik}}
 
{{Main|Sheik}}
In ''Ocarina of Time'', Link met up with a mysterious member of the [[Sheikah]] Tribe, fittingly called Sheik. This person taught [[Link]] a multitude of different songs and gave him tips on how to proceed in his quest. At the end of the game, Sheik revealed himself to be none other than Princess Zelda in a disguise.<ref name=triforceoot/> During the seven years Link had been asleep while maturing to become ready to fight [[Ganon]]dorf, Zelda had gone underground and taken the disguise as Sheik so that Ganondorf would not find her in his search for the two remaining pieces of the [[Triforce]], one which was held by Princess Zelda herself.<ref name=sheikah2/><ref name=sheikah/>
+
In {{OoT|-}}, Link met up with a mysterious member of the [[Sheikah]] Tribe, fittingly called Sheik. This person taught [[Link]] a multitude of different songs and gave him tips on how to proceed in his quest. At the end of the game, Sheik revealed himself to be none other than Princess Zelda in a disguise.<ref name="Seventh Sage" /> During the seven years Link had been asleep while maturing to become ready to fight [[Ganondorf]], Zelda had gone underground and taken the disguise as Sheik so that Ganondorf would not find her in his search for the two remaining pieces of the [[Triforce]], one of which was held by Princess Zelda herself.<ref name="Disguise" /><ref name="Sheikah" />
   
Sheik is also a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' and ''Brawl'': Zelda is able to transform into Sheik during a battle, allowing her to use a different set of moves.
+
In the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Sheik is available as a playable character starting from {{SSBM|-}}. In ''Melee'' and {{SSBB|Brawl}}, Zelda can transform into and out of Sheik by using her down special Transform, granting herself an entirely different moveset and playstyle. Starting from {{SSB4|-}}, Zelda and Sheik were made into separate characters, granting Sheik Bouncing Fish as a new down special in place of her old one.
  +
[[File:TWWHD Tetra Artwork.png|100px|right]]
   
 
===Tetra===
 
===Tetra===
 
{{Main|Tetra}}
 
{{Main|Tetra}}
Born into a society of pirates on the Great Sea, Tetra, captain of a [[Tetra's Pirate Crew|crew of pirates]], was completely unaware that she was a member of the Royal Family of Hyrule's bloodline.<ref name=tetra/><ref name=quote1/> When this was revealed to her by [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]], she was just as surprised as Link to find out that she was indeed a descendant of Princess Zelda of Hyrule and also the one destined to be the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.<ref name=twwTrueHeir/>
+
Born into a society of pirates on the Great Sea, Tetra, captain of a [[Tetra's Pirate Crew|crew of pirates]], was completely unaware that she was a member of the Royal Family of Hyrule's bloodline.<ref name="Orphan" /><ref name="Reveal" /> When this was revealed to her by [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]], she was just as surprised as Link to find out that she was indeed a descendant of Princess Zelda of Hyrule and also the one destined to be the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.<ref name="True Heir" />
   
 
===Leader of the Sages===
 
===Leader of the Sages===
In {{OoT}}, Zelda is revealed to be the seventh [[Sage]] and the leader of them all.<ref name=triforceoot/> Though no conclusive evidence has been sighted, Zelda is often seen as the proverbial [[Sage#Theories|Sage of Time]], via several events that occur in ''Ocarina of Time''.
+
In {{OoT}}, Zelda is revealed to be the seventh [[Sage]] and the leader of them all.<ref name="Seventh Sage" />
   
 
===Goddess Hylia===
 
===Goddess Hylia===
 
{{Main|Hylia}}
 
{{Main|Hylia}}
Before the events of {{SS}}, a goddess named Hylia defeated [[Demise]]. In order to protect the [[Triforce]], in a two-part plan, Hylia renounced her divine body to reborn in an human being. This human was born eons after under the name of Zelda.<ref name=goddess/>
+
Before the events of {{SS}}, a goddess named Hylia defeated [[Demise]]. In order to protect the [[Triforce]], in a two-part plan, Hylia renounced her divine body to reborn in an human being. This human was born eons after under the name of Zelda.<ref name="Reborn">{{Cite|You are the chosen hero, and I, Zelda... I am the goddess reborn as a mortal.|Zelda|SS}}</ref>
  +
  +
===Light Dragon===
  +
{{Main|Light Dragon}}
  +
After realizing that the Master Sword traveled through time in order to find her and recover her strength, Zelda realizes her purpose in the ancient Hyrule, repair the Master Sword to its former glory and deliver it to Link. To do so, Zelda urdergoes the process of draconification and transforms into the Light Dragon, thus managing to pour her sacred power into the sword for thousands of years.
   
 
==Other Princesses of Hyrule==
 
==Other Princesses of Hyrule==
 
Besides the Princess Zeldas that appear in the games, the back story to some of the games feature additional unnamed Princesses of Hyrule who have a similar appearance to Princess Zelda.
 
Besides the Princess Zeldas that appear in the games, the back story to some of the games feature additional unnamed Princesses of Hyrule who have a similar appearance to Princess Zelda.
   
===War of the Bound Chest Princess===
+
===Princess from the {{Term|TMC|Minish Legend}}===
:''See also: [[War of the Bound Chest]]''
+
:''See also: [[Minish Legend]]''
[[File:Bound chest princess.png|left|140px|thumb|The Princess of Hyrule from the War of the Bound Chest]]
+
[[File:TMC Stained Glass Sprite.png|left|140px|thumb|The Princess of Hyrule from the {{Term|TMC|Minish Legend}}]]
  +
The back story of {{TMC}} tells of the {{Term|TMC|Minish Legend|link}}. In the {{Term|TMC|Minish Legend}}, a hero clad in green clothes, the [[Hero of Men]] arose to fight the demons attacking the world. This story of the {{Term|TMC|Minish Legend}} is depicted in a series of stained glass windows beneath the [[Elemental Sanctuary]]. One of the stained glass windows depicts a Princess of Hyrule wielding the [[Light Force]]. Using the stained glass window, [[Vaati]] is able to deduce that the Light Force is currently held by the current Princess Zelda.
[[File:Portrait.jpg|right|140px|thumb|The Princess of Hyrule from before the Great Flood]]
 
The back story of {{TMC}} tells of the War of the Bound Chest. During the War of the Bound Chest, a hero clad in green clothes, the [[Hero of Men]] arose to fight the demons attacking the world. This story of the War of the Bound Chest is depicted in a series of stained glass windows beneath the [[Elemental Sanctuary]]. One of the stained glass windows depicts a Princess of Hyrule wielding the [[Light Force]]. Using the stained glass window, [[Vaati]] is able to deduce that the Light Force is currently held by the current Princess Zelda.
 
   
 
===Antediluvian Princess===
 
===Antediluvian Princess===
 
:''See also: [[Tetra's Pirate Crew]]''
 
:''See also: [[Tetra's Pirate Crew]]''
  +
[[File:TWW Portrait.jpg|right|140px|thumb|The Princess of Hyrule from before the Great Flood]]
In {{TWW}}, when Link travels to [[Hyrule Castle]] beneath the [[Great Sea]], there is a portrait of the Princess of Hyrule (around the age of [[Tetra]]) from before the [[Great Flood]] hanging on the wall of the castle. In the portrait, the princess is surrounded by several characters, all of which have a counterpart to a member of [[Tetra's Pirate Crew|Tetra's pirate crew]]. It is known that during the Great Flood, she took a piece of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]] which had been broken in two by her [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|father]] and fled to the mountaintops with several of her servants.<ref>{{cite book|quote=The gods chose which of the kingdom's subjects would ascend to the new land, telling them to escape to the tallest mountains. They then flooded the world, sinking Ganondorf and Hyrule to the bottom of the ocean and sealing them away. Though the king was sealed along with his kingdom, the princess took a piece of the Triforce that had been broken in two by the king and managed to escape to the ocean's surface with several of her retainers.|book=[[Hyrule Historia]]|page=123|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref>
 
  +
In {{TWW}}, when Link travels to [[Hyrule Castle]] beneath the [[Great Sea]], there is a portrait of the Princess of Hyrule (around the age of [[Tetra]]) from before the [[Great Flood]] hanging on the wall of the castle. In the portrait, the princess is surrounded by several characters, all of which have a counterpart to a member of [[Tetra's Pirate Crew]]. It is known that during the Great Flood, she took a piece of the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] which had been broken in two by her [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|father]] and fled to the mountaintops with several of her servants.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 123}}</ref>
   
===Ten Thousands Years prior to {{BotW}}===
+
===Ten Thousand Years prior to {{BotW}}===
  +
[[File:Zelda 10000 years ago.png|left|140px|thumb|The Princess of Hyrule from 10,000 years ago]]
Learned by [[Impa]] and [[Kass]], the Zelda that lived ten thousand years prior to the events of ''Breath of the Wild'' assisted Link and the four [[Champion]]s in defending Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. Successfully defeating the Calamity, Zelda sealed Ganon away for ten thousand years, leading to his release one hundred years before the events of ''Breath of the Wild''.
 
  +
Learned by [[Impa]] and [[Kass]], the Zelda that lived ten thousand years prior to the events of {{BotW|-}} assisted Link and the four [[Champion]]s in defending Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. Successfully defeating the Calamity, Zelda sealed Ganon away for ten thousand years, leading to his release one hundred years before the events of {{BotW|-}}.
   
 
==Zelda's Weapons==
 
==Zelda's Weapons==
 
===Bow and Arrows of Light===
 
===Bow and Arrows of Light===
 
{{Main|Zelda's Bow}}
 
{{Main|Zelda's Bow}}
  +
[[File:Zelda LightArrow.jpg|thumb|right|x150px|Zelda using her Bow in {{TP|-}}]]
 
In several games<!--specify-->, starting with {{OoT}}, Zelda either wields the Light Arrows or bestows them on Link, allowing him to defeat Ganon. In some cases<!--which-->, she is also able to summon a magical bow made from pure light in order to fire the arrows.
 
In several games<!--specify-->, starting with {{OoT}}, Zelda either wields the Light Arrows or bestows them on Link, allowing him to defeat Ganon. In some cases<!--which-->, she is also able to summon a magical bow made from pure light in order to fire the arrows.
   
Line 303: Line 492:
   
 
===Rapier===
 
===Rapier===
In {{TP}}, Zelda carries an ornate rapier, seemingly as a {{wp|sword of state}}. When possessed by [[Ganon]]dorf, she also uses it as a weapon against Link.
+
In {{TP}}, Zelda carries an ornate rapier, seemingly as a {{wp|sword of state}}. When possessed by [[Ganondorf]], she also uses it as a weapon against Link.
   
 
In {{HW}}, this rapier is named the "Polished Rapier", and is one of several rapiers the princess can use, alongside the more ornate Glittering Rapier, the extravagant Gleaming Rapier, which also bears the royal crest, and the humorous 8-Bit [[White Sword]], a joke weapon.
 
In {{HW}}, this rapier is named the "Polished Rapier", and is one of several rapiers the princess can use, alongside the more ornate Glittering Rapier, the extravagant Gleaming Rapier, which also bears the royal crest, and the humorous 8-Bit [[White Sword]], a joke weapon.
Line 311: Line 500:
   
 
In {{HW}}, Zelda is able to use the Wind Waker to conduct magical songs that summon wind and lightning. She can also use the Sacred Baton, which resembles a crystallized gust of wind, and the Glorious Baton, which resembles a [[Great Fairy]]'s locks of hair.
 
In {{HW}}, Zelda is able to use the Wind Waker to conduct magical songs that summon wind and lightning. She can also use the Sacred Baton, which resembles a crystallized gust of wind, and the Glorious Baton, which resembles a [[Great Fairy]]'s locks of hair.
  +
  +
==Quotes==
  +
{{main|Princess Zelda/Quotes}}
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
  +
*{{LA}} and {{TFH}} are the only games where {{Term|Series|Princess Zelda}}'s presence is completely absent. However, Link mentions her at the beginning of {{LA|-}}.<ref name="Marin" /><ref name="Marin 2" /> {{Term|Series|Princess Zelda}}'s clothing, the {{Term|TFH|Legendary Dress|link}}, also appears in {{TFH|-}}, which is based on its design from {{ALBW}}.
*{{HH}} depicts an unused alternate Zelda design from {{ALttP}} that gives her a fox-like appearance. It seems it was a possible [[Dark World]] form for her, similar to [[Bunny Link]].<ref>[http://zeldawiki.org/File:ALttP_Zelda_concept2.jpg Zelda concept art from ''Hyrule Historia'']</ref>
 
  +
*{{BotW|-}} is the first main series game to supply {{Term|BotW|Princess Zelda}} with English voice acting. In it, she speaks with an English accent. It is technically also the second main series game to supply full voice acting overall, with the ''[[Navi Trackers]]'' mode for the Japanese version of {{FSA}} being the first with Zelda's alter-ego [[Tetra]].
*{{LA}} and {{TFH}} are the only games where Princess Zelda's presence is completely absent. However, Link mentions her at the beginning of ''Link's Awakening''.<ref>{{Cite|What? Zelda? No, my name's Marin!|Marin|LA}}</ref> [[Legendary Dress|Zelda's dress]] also appears in ''Tri Force Heroes''.
 
  +
* What Zelda says to Link regarding his memories and courage immediately prior to the final battle with Ganon in {{BotW|-}} varied between languages. In the Japanese version, Zelda states that she believes in Link and his courage regardless of whether he regained his memories,<ref>{{Cite|{{Romanize|でも私は貴方を… 貴方の勇気を信じています!|Demo watakushi wa anata o … anata no yūki o shinji te i masu!|But I believe in you... in your courage!|3}}|Zelda|BotW|Japanese version}}</ref> while in the English localization, she instead states that courage doesn't need to be remembered due to one never forgetting the concept in the first place.<ref>{{Cite|But courage need not be remembered... for it is never forgotten.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref>
  +
*During the final battle with {{Term|OoT|Ganon}} in {{OoT}} and its remake {{OoT3D}}, whenever {{Term|OoT|Link}} ends up hit by one of Ganon's attacks, {{Term|OoT|Princess Zelda}} can be heard gasping in horror.
  +
*According to {{BotW|-}}, her favorite food is [[Fruitcake]] and her favorite [[flower]] is the [[Silent Princess]].
  +
*In {{BotW|-}}, Zelda had not long turned 17 years old when the second [[Great Calamity]] began.
  +
*In {{BotW|-}}, Princess Zelda has sported four different outfits depending on where she is and what she is doing; she wears a deep blue elegant and formal dress when she is at home in [[Hyrule Castle]], a blue casual shirt and dark capri pants when she's doing fieldwork or traveling about, a white ceremonial robe when she is doing spiritual training, and a thick white winter outfit with boots when she is in a freezing environment.
  +
*Biologically, the oldest version of Zelda is in {{TP|-}} where she is 20, though Zelda is chronologically 117 in {{BotW|-}} and over 10,117 years old by the end of ''Tears of the Kingdom''.
  +
*{{TotK|-}} is the first game where Zelda has short hair, rather than long hair.
  +
*Princess Zelda's name was at one point misspelled '''{{Typo|Zeldaâ|Zelda}}''' on [[Zelda.com]].<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= Dowsing uses the power of Link's sword to find hidden people and items. Sound and vibration help to indicate when the target is close, similar to radar. Searching for items, people, and secret areas adds a deep element of puzzle-solving and exploration to the open field, the kind that existed only in dungeons in previous Zelda™ games.|retrieved= March 24, 2022|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150930100634/http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword/mobile/04.html|title= Dowsing to Search Land|site= Zelda.com|type= archive}}</ref>
   
==Etymology==
+
==Nomenclature==
[[Shigeru Miyamoto]] stated that the Princess Zelda's name originated from Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of the acclaimed author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.<ref>{{Cite web|quote= Zelda was the name of the wife of the famous novelist Francis Scott Fitzgerald. She was a famous and beautiful woman from all accounts, and I liked the sound of her name. So I took the liberty of using her name for the very first Zelda title|author= Todd Mowatt|published= |retrieved= |url= http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/117177/|title= In the Game: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto|site= Amazon|type=}}</ref> The name "Zelda" ultimately derives from "Griselda," which may come from the Germanic elements ''gris'' ("gray") and ''hild'' ("battle"). Griselda itself means "happy", "lucky", or "blessed", while Grizelda means "endless patience".
+
[[Shigeru Miyamoto]] stated that the Princess Zelda's name originated from Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of the acclaimed author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= Zelda was the name of the wife of the famous novelist Francis Scott Fitzgerald. She was a famous and beautiful woman from all accounts, and I liked the sound of her name. So I took the liberty of using her name for the very first Zelda title|author= Todd Mowatt|published= |retrieved= |url= http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/117177/|title= In the Game: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto|site= Amazon|type=}}</ref> The name "Zelda" ultimately derives from "Griselda," which may come from the Germanic elements ''gris'' ("gray") and ''hild'' ("battle"). Griselda itself means "happy", "lucky", or "blessed", while Grizelda means "endless patience".
   
  +
{{Nomenclature}}
{{Names
 
|align=left
 
|ja= {{Romanize|ゼルダ姫|Zeruda-hime}}
 
|jaM= Princess Zelda
 
|esS= Princesa Zelda
 
|esSM= Same as English
 
|frF= Princesse Zelda
 
|frFM= Same as English
 
|frC= Zelda<ref>{{Cite|Quoi? Zelda?? Tu dois être encore patraque!|Marin|LA}}</ref> {{ExpGame|LA}}
 
|frCM= Same as English
 
|de= {{de|Prinzessin Zelda von Hyrule|Prinzessin Zelda}}
 
|deM= Same as English
 
|it= Principessa Zelda
 
|itM= Same as English
 
|ko= {{Romanize|젤다 공주|Jelda Gongju}} {{ExpGame|TP}}
 
|koM= Same as English.
 
|chS= {{Romanize|塞尔达 公主|Sài'ěrdá Gōngzhǔ}}
 
|chSM= Same as English.
 
|chT= {{Romanize|薩爾達 公主|Sà'ěrdá Gōngzhǔ}}
 
|chTM= Same as English.
 
|ru= {{Romanize|Зельда|Zel'da}} {{ExpGame|BotW}}
 
|ruM= Same as English.
 
|nl= Prinses Zelda {{ExpGame|BotW}}
 
|nlM= Same as English.
 
}}
 
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
{{GalleryPage}}
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{{Gallery}}
   
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
* [[Toon Zelda]]
+
*[[Toon Zelda]]
  +
  +
{{Notes}}
   
 
{{Ref}}
 
{{Ref}}
   
{{Sages}}
 
 
{{Characters}}
 
{{Characters}}
 
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zelda}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zelda}}
  +
{{Categories
[[Category:Royalty]]
 
  +
|Companions, Followers, Heroes, Hylians, Maidens, New Hyruleans, Princess Zelda, Princesses, Skyloftians, Super Smash Bros., Telepaths, Telepathy
[[Category:Hylians]]
 
  +
|bosses= HW, HWL, HWDE
[[Category:Super Smash Bros.]]
 
  +
|characters= TLoZ, TAoL, ALttP, OoT, OoT3D, MM, MM3D, OoS, OoA, TWW, TWWHD, FSA, TMC, TP, TPHD, ST, SS, SSHD, ALBW, BotW, TotK, TFoE, TWoG, ZA, BSTLoZ, AST, SSBM, SSBB, HW, HWL, HWDE, SSBfN3DS, SSBfWU, SSBU, CoH, HWAoC
[[Category:Hyruleans]]
 
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|playable= ST, SSBM, SSBfN3DS, SSBfWU, HW, HWL, HWDE, HWAoC
[[Category:Companion]]
 
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}}
[[Category:Skyloftians]]
 
[[Category:Princess Zelda| ]]
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[[de:Prinzessin Zelda]]
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[[es:Princesa Zelda]]
[[Category:Heroes]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Legend of Zelda]]
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[[fr:Princesse Zelda]]
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[[it:Zelda]]
[[Category:Characters in The Adventure of Link]]
 
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[[ja:ゼルダ (キャラクター)]]
[[Category:Characters in A Link to the Past]]
 
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[[pt-br:Princesa Zelda]]
[[Category:Characters in Ocarina of Time]]
 
  +
[[zh-tw:薩爾達公主]]
[[Category:Characters in Majora's Mask]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Oracle of Seasons]]
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[[Category:Female characters]]
[[Category:Characters in Oracle of Ages]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Four Swords]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Wind Waker]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Four Swords Adventures]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Minish Cap]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Twilight Princess]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Spirit Tracks]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Skyward Sword|Zelda]]
 
[[Category:Characters in A Link Between Worlds]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Faces of Evil]]
 
[[Category:Characters in The Wand of Gamelon]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Zelda's Adventure]]
 
[[Category:Characters in BS The Legend of Zelda]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Ancient Stone Tablets]]
 
[[Category:Characters in Hyrule Warriors]]
 
[[Category:Bosses in Hyrule Warriors]]
 

Latest revision as of 19:31, 21 March 2024

This article is about the eponymous character of The Legend of Zelda franchise. For the video-game series named after her, see The Legend of Zelda series. For other uses, see Zelda (disambiguation).

Zelda,(SS | BotW | TCT | SSBM | SSBB | HWDE | SSBfWU | SSBU | CoH | HWAoC)[25][26][name reference needed] traditionally Princess Zelda,(TLoZ | TAoL | ALttP | OoT | OoS | OoA | FS | TWW | FSA | TMC | TP | ST | ALBW | BotW | TotK)[27][28][17] is the eponymous character of The Legend of Zelda series. With the exception of Link's Awakening, Majora's Mask, and Tri Force Heroes, an incarnation of Zelda or one of her alter egos has always been one of the central characters in the series.

Various Zeldas have appeared across the history of Hyrule. While each Zelda is a distinct individual, the "fundamental soul" of Zelda has endured from one incarnation to the next.[29]

Characteristics

Physical appearance

Princess Zelda is slender and light-skinned, but her age varies between versions and she is always either a child, teen, or young adult. Her hair color is depicted as blonde in most games of the series, as well as brown in Twilight Princess and red in The Legend of Zelda and The Adventure of Link. Her eyes are portrayed in different shades of blue throughout all the games, with the exception of her green eyes in Breath of the Wild. Her ears are always pointed, as is characteristic of all Hylians, although in some games her ears are shorter than in others. Princess Zelda is often shown as a beautiful and elegant princess, with the exception of Skyward Sword, where she is portrayed as an ordinary girl before the kingdom of Hyrule had been established. The dresses that she wears are long with determinate colors, such as different tones of pink, white, and blue. Most of her dresses are shown with the Hylian Crest, and in almost every game, she is seen wearing a tiara with either a red, pink, or blue jewel in it. In some games, she also wears long gloves. Princess Zelda is seen wearing makeup in most games, such as in The Wind Waker and Spirit Tracks, and her hairstyle is characterized either with her hair down or with braids. She wears high heels, although in Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, and Breath of the Wild she wears boots. She also occasionally wears sandals, such as in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild. Each incarnation of Zelda has been shown at various ages depending on which title she appears in. She has appeared as a child, a teenager and as a young adult; for example, the Princess Zelda in Twilight Princess is around 20 years of age,[30] and the one in Breath of the Wild is depicted as 16 and 17 years old during flashbacks, and 117 at the time of the game.[31]

Personality

Zelda is depicted as a kind and benevolent ruler with a wisdom beyond her years and a deep love towards the people she watches over. She is a caring, gracious, and self-sacrificing person.[32][33] Zelda's most prominent display of compassion and selflessness was when she saved the life of Midna, the Princess of the Twilight Realm, who had been nearly killed by the false King of the Twilight, Zant.[34] Zelda's wisdom is her most valuable attribute. As a matriarch, it is imperative that she makes the wisest decision concerning the fate of Hyrule; in Twilight Princess when Zant threatened her life and the lives of all of her subjects, she wisely surrendered to him.[35] She upholds her responsibilities no matter the cost and is always willing to help her friends, such as in Skyward Sword, where Zelda faces her duties as the goddess reborn and willingly remains in a deep sleep to keep Demise imprisoned within his seal.[36] Above all, Zelda is known to be a forgiving person even towards those who have harmed her before, as seen in Spirit Tracks, where she asks Anjean to take care of Byrne even though he was the one who stole her body.[37][38][39]

Princess Zelda is one of the three most important characters of The Legend of Zelda series, which is also why her name appears in the title of every game. Princess Zelda first appeared in the original The Legend of Zelda, and has since been featured in every subsequent game, with the exception of Link's Awakening. Each incarnation of the Princess is chosen by destiny to be the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom in each respective era, which is the main reason she plays such an integral role in the legends of Hyrule.

Abilities

Tp lightarrow1

Princess Zelda calls upon the power of the Light Spirits in Twilight Princess

Throughout the series, Princess Zelda portrays various types of both magical and physical abilities, ranging from capably wielding a bow[40] to telepathy, as seen in A Link to the Past's introduction when she pleads for Link's help.[41]

Early on in the timeline of the series, the original Zelda, while born as a Hylian, is the mortal incarnation of the Goddess Hylia.[42] Carrying on this divine blood, her female descendants are always the crown princess of Hyrule throughout its history.[5][43][44][45][46] Several princesses within the bloodline are also the possessor of the Triforce of Wisdom, imbued with the essence of the Goddess Nayru.[5][47][48] The essence of Nayru affords each Zelda divine wisdom, allowing her to discern the wisest decisions, especially in situations concerning the welfare of Hyrule. It grants her myriad mystical abilities, including the ability to heal others, though there is a possibility that this could also be an effect of her bloodline passing down Hylia's own powers and, later, the Light Force. Each incarnation of Zelda uses her powers to keep evil in check. Aside from these abilities, Zelda is shown to be a skilled scholar and researcher, as seen in Breath of the Wild.

Many of her abilities as both a Sage and the wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom are widely illustrated in Ocarina of Time, one of them being that she has prophetic visions in her dreams.[49][50] She also helps Link in their escape from Ganon's Castle by using her powers to magically remove the barriers blocking the exits. During the final battle between Link and Ganon, Princess Zelda uses her powers to restrain the King of Evil as Link delivers the final blow.[51] Being the seventh Sage, she is the ruler of the rest of the six Sages, and it is with her guidance that the Sages seal Ganon in the void of the Evil Realm.[5][52] Finally, with her powers as a Sage, she is capable of returning Link to his original time by simply using the Ocarina of Time.[53]

Some of Princess Zelda's physical abilities are demonstrated in games such as The Wind Waker, Twilight Princess and Spirit Tracks. In The Wind Waker, Princess Zelda aids Link in battling Ganondorf by borrowing the young hero's bow and using it to fire Light Arrows at the King of the Gerudo.[40] This skill is again portrayed in the final battle of Twilight Princess, where the princess yet again uses a bow and Light Arrows to strike Ganondorf while accompanying Link on his horse,[54] and once more in the final battle against Malladus in Spirit Tracks. In Twilight Princess, Princess Zelda is seen wielding a rapier, although it is unknown if she possesses any true sword skills since she uses it in battle only after being possessed by Ganondorf.

As shown in Twilight Princess, Princess Zelda is capable of communicating with the Light Spirits. Just as the princess and Link are about to be trampled by Ganondorf's ghostly army, Zelda calls upon the Light Spirits to aid her in her time of need, and the spirits grant her the Light Arrow to banish evil.[55]

In Spirit Tracks, Princess Zelda can possess a Phantom's body after Link strikes it with a powered-up sword or the Lokomo Sword. While in this state, the princess can help Link solve various puzzles as well as cross certain obstacles that the young hero cannot traverse by himself.[56] Moreover, due to the Phantom's armor, she can also protect Link from attacks or use her strength to fight alongside Link and help him defeat enemies, as seen when fighting Geozards or Byrne.

Naming Tradition and Law

Origin

It was revealed in The Adventure of Link and confirmed by Hyrule Historia that when the kingdom of Hyrule was established during the Era of Prosperity, the daughters of the Royal Family were often named Zelda after their ancestor, the mortal incarnation of the Goddess Hylia, from the events of Skyward Sword.[57][58]

The Tragedy of "Princess Zelda I"

TAoL Princess Zelda Sleeping Sprite

While she was not the first Princess Zelda in the history of Hyrule, she was the first in a long line of princesses to be named Zelda by law and not tradition after she was put into a deep sleep for many generations. Her brother, the Prince of Hyrule at the end of its Golden Era, who was partly to blame for her comatose state, decided that, in honor of his sister, every princess born into the Royal Family of Hyrule should be named Zelda.[59][60]

Unified Timeline

Skyward Sword

SS Zelda Loftwing Artwork

The Zelda in Skyward Sword is the eleventh Zelda appearing in The Legend of Zelda series, and is currently the earliest incarnation of Zelda chronologically to appear in-game.

In Skyward Sword, Zelda, daughter of Gaepora, lives in Skyloft with her childhood friend Link,[61] where they are both students at the Knight Academy.[62] After playing the role of the goddess at the Wing Ceremony, Link and Zelda go for a flight together, when suddenly a twister pulls Zelda and her Loftwing below the clouds. This phenomenon is later revealed to have been caused by Ghirahim, who needs Zelda's soul to resurrect Demise, his master.[63][64] Upon Zelda's arrival on the Surface, however, she is rescued by Impa before the Demon Lord can capture her.[65] Link then begins to look for Zelda and eventually finds her in the Earth Spring, but Impa impedes him from reaching the young girl,[66] and instead urges Zelda to continue praying at each goddess statue to finish purifying her body.[67][68]

Zelda Skyward Sword

Zelda, as seen in-game

Eventually, Link catches up with Zelda and Impa at the Temple of Time, but their reunion is cut short when Ghirahim attacks the duo. In the midst of the frenetic action, Zelda gives Link the Goddess's Harp before she and Impa escape through the Gate of Time, with Impa destroying the gate to escape Ghirahim's grasp. Link manages to activate a second Gate of Time and meets with Zelda, who explains her true nature as the mortal reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia before telling Link that she,[42] as Hylia reborn, must remain in a deep sleep to keep Demise imprisoned within his seal.[36] Before doing so, Zelda explains that the goddess needed someone with an "unbreakable spirit" to defeat Demise.[69] However, Hylia, knowing that the young hero would "throw [himself] headfirst into any danger, without even a moment's doubt" if it meant saving Zelda,[70] used Link to try and bring about the destruction of Demise. She proceeds to seal herself into a crystal and sleep for thousands of years to ensure Demise's seal holds, and tells Link that he must find and use the Triforce to destroy Demise so that she will be able to wake up in their own time.[71]

Although Link uses the Triforce to wish for Demise's destruction, Ghirahim kidnaps Zelda upon her awakening and takes her through the Gate of Time, where Demise is still sealed.[72] Zelda's soul is absorbed and Demise is revived in his true form,[73] but Link manages to defeat the Demon King and seal his remains in the Master Sword. After her soul is restored, Zelda and the young hero return to their own time, where she mentions to Link that she wants to remain in the surface and watch over the Triforce. Zelda asks what Link's intentions are for the future,[74] and Link smiles at her, with the camera panning to show both his and Zelda's Loftwings flying back into the sky, implying that Link chose to stay with Zelda.

This incarnation of Zelda is unique in that she is not a princess during the course of the game's events.

Fi's Comment
Fi says:

This is Zelda, your childhood friend. Master, she is also the living embodiment of goddess Hylia.

Though she had previously committed herself to an ages-long sleep in order to maintain the seal over Demise, she has now awakened.

The Minish Cap

Princess Zelda (Figurine from The Minish Cap)
TMC Princess Zelda Figurine Sprite
Princess Zelda
A bright and cheery princess from
Hyrule's royal family.
She loves to sneak out of the castle
to visit her good friend, Link.
The Minish Cap Manual Description
The Minish Cap logo
Princess Zelda
The princess of Hyrule and a longtime friend of Link. She stops in at Link’s house, asking if he can join her at the annual Picori Festival.

Princess Zelda in The Minish Cap is the eighth Princess Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the second Princess Zelda chronologically.

Princess Zelda is known to sneak out of Hyrule Castle to visit Link, who is a childhood friend. At the beginning of the game, Link and Princess Zelda attend the Picori Festival in Hyrule Town. When Princess Zelda wins the grand prize in Pina's drawing, she chooses a Small Shield as her prize and gives it to Link. In North Hyrule Field, Link and Princess Zelda are accosted by a Business Scrub, who shoots Deku Nuts at them until Link deflects one with his new Shield.

At the award ceremony for the Sword-Fighting Tournament, Vaati appears and breaks the Picori Blade, opening the Bound Chest and releasing monsters into Hyrule. Though he does not realize it, Princess Zelda shows herself to possess the Light Force he is searching for; declaring that she will only cause trouble if left alone, he places a Sorcerer's Curse on her and turns her to stone. To restore her, King Daltus asks Link to seek out the Minish and have them reforge the sacred Picori Blade, allowing them to break Vaati's Curse.

During his travels, Link learns that in order to reforge the Broken Picori Blade, it will need to be infused with the Four Elements scattered across Hyrule. He is able to traverse Hyrule along with his companion Ezlo, finding each Element and infusing them into the reforged Blade, turning it into the Four Sword.

Vaati follows them into the Elemental Sanctuary and learns from the Stained Glass within that Princess Zelda herself holds the Light Force. He knocks out Link and leaves to drain Princess Zelda at the roof of the newly-transformed Dark Hyrule Castle. Link is able to interrupt this process, eventually defeating Vaati and using the power of the Four Sword to restore Princess Zelda, who reveals that she saw visions of him while turned to stone.

The Castle begins to collapse, and Vaati makes one last attempt to eliminate Link in the Palace Courtyard, but is defeated once and for all. With Vaati defeated, the Mage's Cap appears, and Ezlo and Princess Zelda work together to use its power to restore Hyrule.

Four Swords

The Zelda in Four Swords is the fifth Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the third Zelda chronologically.

Zelda and Link appear as childhood friends in Four Swords.[75] Princess Zelda is assigned the duty of protecting the Four Sword Sanctuary and the Four Sword. One day, she sensed something unusual at the Four Sword Shrine and took Link to accompany her to investigate.[76] The seal on Vaati at the shrine had weakened, allowing Vaati to escape. Vaati kidnapped Princess Zelda to make her his bride and Link drew the Four Sword to save her.

Ocarina of Time

File:OoT Princess Zelda Child Artwork
Young Zelda as she appears in Ocarina of Time

The Zelda in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask is the fourth Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the fourth Zelda chronologically.

Growing up in the halls of Hyrule Castle, young Princess Zelda, referred to by the Great Deku Tree as the Princess of Destiny,[6] was growing concerned with one of her father's associates, the Gerudo king Ganondorf, and a vision of his treachery did not help matters.[77] Expressing her concerns with her guardian and nursemaid Impa, she continued to watch the Gerudo despite her inability to do anything about him. This changed when a young Kokiri boy named Link snuck into her garden courtyard.[78]

Convinced that Ganondorf was after the Triforce, Zelda asked Link to find the three Spiritual Stones that would open the Temple of Time in order to prevent Ganondorf from opening the Door of Time and claiming the Triforce for himself.[79][80] Unfortunately, Ganondorf made his move before Link could return, leading an insurrection in the castle. He chased after Zelda, who had the Ocarina of Time in her possession, when Impa escaped with her from the castle. Dashing out of the castle town with Ganondorf in hot pursuit, Zelda caught sight of Link diving out of their way. She turned and threw the Ocarina of Time to him, trusting that he would keep it safe while Ganondorf chased after them.[81][82]

For seven years Zelda remained in hiding, training in the ways of the Sheikah by Impa until Link, who had become trapped within the Sacred Realm, was freed. Appearing before him under the name of Sheik, she assisted Link in awakening the remaining five Sages,[83] all the while keeping her real identity secret.[84][85][86]

When Zelda finally reveals herself, she does so not only as Princess Zelda but as the seventh sage, the leader of the other Sages, and wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom;[5] however, having watched them from afar, Ganondorf captures Zelda to drive Link into a fight to the death inside his castle.[87]

In the game's conclusion, Zelda sends Link, the Hero of Time, back to his childhood to regain his lost seven years as compensation for his role in the war against Ganondorf.[88] This would leave only the Hero of Time's legend behind him as he returned to the past and returned to Hyrule Castle to warn the young Princess Zelda of events to come.

The actions made by this incarnation of Princess Zelda were crucial to the development of the Zelda Timeline, since it was through Zelda's choices that three timelines were eventually created, making her instrumental in the history of Hyrule. Her plot with Link to retrieve the Triforce resulted in Ganondorf obtaining the Triforce of Power,[80] eventually leading to Ganondorf besting Link in the final battle, and thus forming the Fallen Hero Timeline.[89] Should Link succeed in defeating Ganondorf, sending Link back to his own time afterwards created two timelines: the Child Timeline and the Adult Timeline. The latter of the two shatters the Triforce of Courage and vanquishes the hero in the Adult Timeline,[90] resulting in Hyrule eventually being flooded.

Fallen Hero Timeline

The Fallen Hero Timeline is the timeline in which Link, the Hero of Time, despite his best efforts, was defeated by Ganondorf in the final battle. This turn of events created the timeline containing A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages, Link's Awakening, A Link Between Worlds, Tri Force Heroes, The Legend of Zelda, and The Adventure of Link.

A Link to the Past

Princess Zelda ALttPFS

The Zelda in A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages is the third Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the first Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

In A Link to the Past, Princess Zelda is a Maiden descendant of the Seven Wise Men who had imprisoned Ganon in the Dark World.[91] Seeking freedom, Ganon uses the wizard Agahnim to kidnap the descendants in order to sacrifice them and free him from his prison.[92]

As the last free descendant, Zelda uses telepathy to contact the descendant of the Knights of Hyrule, Link, to save her.[41] Despite his efforts in evacuating her from Hyrule Castle, Agahnim manages to capture Zelda and sacrifice her to the Dark World, breaking the seal between Hyrule and the Dark World.[93][94] While in the Dark World, Princess Zelda is held inside a crystal prison within Turtle Rock.[95] When Link frees her, she, along with the other maidens, breaks the seal surrounding Ganon's lair.[96]

When Link makes a wish with the power of the now-freed Triforce, Princess Zelda returns with the maidens to Hyrule Castle to rule in peace.

Link's Awakening

Zelda is only mentioned at the beginning of Link's Awakening, when Link mistakes Marin for the Hyrulean princess due to their resemblance to one another.[97][98] She has no involvement in the plot.

According to Hyrule Historia's timeline placement of Link's Awakening, this Zelda would be the same one from A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages.

Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages

Oracle of Seasons Manual Description
Oracle of Seasons logo
Princess Zelda
The Royal Princess of Hyrule is a symbol of the people's hope. Her vivid dreams allow her to predict when something evil is about to happen in the world.
Oracle of Ages Manual Description
Oracle of Ages logo
Princess Zelda
The Royal Princess of Hyrule is a symbol of the people's hope. Her vivid dreams allow her to predict when something evil is about to happen in the world.

In Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, Zelda is revealed to be the hope of the people.[99] She is the one who sends Impa to Labrynna and Holodrum to find Nayru, the Oracle of Ages,[100] and Din, the Oracle of Seasons, and bring them to Hyrule for safety. Zelda herself appears if the two games are linked. When players have defeated both General Onox and Veran in the linked game, Twinrova will kidnap Zelda in order to sacrifice her to resurrect Ganon.[101] Link dashes to her rescue and Twinrova fails to sacrifice Zelda, making them to sacrifice themselves in order to resurrect Ganon. Due to the fact that they could not sacrifice Zelda as planned, the Ganon they resurrect is mindless and raging and is defeated by Link. In these games, Zelda has a sprite similar to that of Marin, the girl Link mistakes for Zelda when he wakes up at the beginning of Link's Awakening.

Ancient Stone Tablets

Six years after the events of A Link to the Past, Hyrule is enjoying a time of peace and tranquility, but Princess Zelda suffers from a dark, recurring dream showing a shadow over a temple; a premonition of evil to come. One day, she witnesses a mysterious and brilliant light in the sky to the east. Aginah, the younger brother of the wise man Sahasrahla and now living in his old hideout near the Eastern Palace also witnesses such a light, and travels to investigate. There he finds a strange youth lying on the ground. Zelda, also following the light, meets up with Aginah, and they both carry the child to rest in Sahasrahla's hideout. Confused by the youth's unusual clothes, they believe the child not to hail from Kakariko Village. Speaking to Aginah while the youngster sleeps, Zelda learns that his brother Sahasrahla had also sensed danger surrounding Hyrule and had left the land to find the hero, Link. While Link has not yet returned, Zelda senses that if this new youth was endowed with courage, he or she may be the Hero of Light. Zelda then sets of for Hyrule Castle before sending Aginah to find the Book of Mudora while she speaks to the Fortune Teller. Aginah and the hero travel to the Sanctuary at the foot of the mountain, but Zelda follows, claiming she had another prophetic dream, this time of her holding the Book of Mudora on top of Death Mountain. Zelda insists on traveling with the hero to the summit of the mountain, as she is the only one who can read the Book of Mudora. During their quest to obtain the final two tablets and reach the summit, the Fortune Teller sees the King of Evil in a vision. Ganon's malice had kept his spirit alive despite the destruction of his body. It was this lingering evil power that had drawn the Hero of Light into the land of Hyrule, and upon the summit the hero travels once more into another world to engage in a desperate final battle with the Demon King in a new version of Ganon's Tower. Ganon desires the power of the Hero of Light to be fully reborn, but is finally destroyed using the Silver Arrows once more.

A Link Between Worlds



ALBW Princess Zelda 01

Zelda in A Link Between Worlds

The Zelda in A Link Between Worlds is the twelfth Zelda in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

Zelda appears again in A Link Between Worlds. At her young age, she rules the entire kingdom of Hyrule alone. When Link first meets her, he warns her that Seres was attacked and turned into a Painting by Yuga. She tells the young hero to warn Sahasrahla in Kakariko Village and gives Link a charm that she has owned since childhood. When Hyrule Castle is under Yuga's attack, Link learns that the charm she gave is the Pendant of Courage, which she gave to him in anticipation of the oncoming misfortune.

When Link goes Inside Hyrule Castle, he encounters a confrontation between Zelda and Yuga. Zelda tells Yuga that his actions must cease and asks him how many more people he intends to kidnap,[102] to which Yuga says he has been searching for all seven Sages of Hyrule.[103] Zelda then accuses him of attempting to use the Seven Sages to revive Ganon,[104] but Yuga ignores her and turns her into a Painting for her beauty.[105] He then takes her Painting to the highest point of Hyrule Castle and escapes to Lorule. In Lorule, he uses the power of the Seven Sages and Princess Zelda to revive Ganon and merges with Ganon before all the Paintings, save Zelda's, are scattered across Lorule. After Link frees the sages and assembles the Triforce, he and Zelda use it to restore the Lorulean Triforce.

The Legend of Zelda

TLoZ Princess Zelda Artwork 2

The Zelda in The Legend of Zelda is the first Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the fourth Zelda chronologically in the Fallen Hero Timeline.

An army of evil, led by Ganon, seeks to possess the Triforce to plunge the land of Hyrule into darkness.[106] Stealing the Triforce of Power, Ganon sought to find the last known piece, the Triforce of Wisdom.

Princess Zelda, as a member of the bloodline that carries and protects the Triforce of Wisdom, broke the Triforce piece into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm in an effort to avoid its possession under Ganon's hand.[45] At the same time, she sent out her handmaiden, Impa, to look for a hero to save the land.[107] Ganon learned of what Zelda had done and imprisoned her within his lair under Death Mountain, surrounded by a wall of flame.[108]

Link eventually finds the eight fragments of the Triforce of Wisdom scattered throughout Hyrule and travels to Death Mountain where, upon defeating Ganon, he frees Zelda from her prison, returning peace to the land.[109][110]

Battle of Mirage Castle

Princess Zelda from Mirage Castle's Battle

Along with Link, Demon General Gaia is cursed, and on Day they she torn apart in the form of being trapped in Crystal Moon. During Night, she becomes a Playable Character (Protagonist).

The Adventure of Link

TAoL Princess Zelda I Artwork

Impa showing Princess Zelda to Link from The Adventure of Link

The Zelda in The Adventure of Link is the second Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series.

The introduction of The Adventure of Link speaks of the legend of Zelda, a legend that has been passed down in Hyrule.[111] According to that legend, well before the events of The Legend of Zelda, Hyrule was a prosperous land ruled by a king who had two children, an unnamed prince and Princess Zelda. The King maintained peace in Hyrule using the Triforce; however, he passed away, and although the prince should have received the Triforce in full, he only received a part of it.[112] The prince frantically searched in vain everywhere for the remaining piece, but then a wizard came to the Prince and tells him that his younger sister, Zelda, knows the location of the mystical object.[113] The prince demands that Zelda turn the information over to him, but Zelda refuses and, in a rage, the wizard puts Zelda into an eternal sleep, with him dying in the process.[114] Overcome with grief, the prince seals his sleeping sister in the North Palace and orders that all female descendants of the Hylian monarchy are to be named Zelda.[59]

To break the curse, a hero must possess the complete Triforce, but obtaining the Triforce of Courage would prove difficult as the king of ages ago had hidden it within the Great Palace.[115][116] Only one who proved themselves worthy would obtain it.

In the end, Link obtains the Triforce of Courage from the Great Palace and awakes the sleeping princess from her slumber.

Although both games feature the same Link, this Zelda is different from the one in the original The Legend of Zelda.[117]

Zelda (Game & Watch)

Zelda Game & Watch

Princess Zelda was kidnapped by the Eight Dragons in order to cause chaos in Hyrule. She is imprisoned in a magical cage that can only be opened with the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom. Link journeys through the dungeon, defeats the dragons and saves Zelda.

Child Timeline

The Child Timeline is the timeline that follows Link after being sent back to his original time to warn Princess Zelda, following the defeat of Ganondorf by the Hero of Time in the final battle. This turn of events created the timeline containing Majora's Mask, Twilight Princess, and Four Swords Adventures.

Majora's Mask

MM Zelda Memory

Memories of Princess Zelda

Prior the events of Majora's Mask, Zelda spends a relatively short period of time with Link, before he leaves Hyrule for his quest in search of his companion Navi.[118][119] Zelda, as a child, makes a single appearance in Majora's Mask when Link has a flashback after retrieving the Ocarina of Time from the Skull Kid. The events of the flashback display Link's last meeting with Zelda, where she states her belief that they would meet again.[120] However, before Link departs the land of Hyrule, Princess Zelda gives him the Ocarina of Time to prevent Ganondorf from entering the Sacred Realm and as a memento of the time they spent together.[121][122] She also teaches Link the "Song of Time", a melody that holds a special meaning to her,[123] before handing over the ocarina, mentioning that he should play that melody if something were to happen to him so the Goddess of Time will come to his aid.[124][125]

(This Zelda is the same one from Ocarina of Time)

Twilight Princess

See also: Puppet Zelda

The Zelda in Twilight Princess is the ninth Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Child Timeline branch.

Robbed Figure

Princess Zelda dressed in her dark attire

In Twilight Princess, Zelda was the young matriarch of Hyrule until its invasion by Zant, the Twilight King, to whom she reluctantly surrendered in order to prevent the deaths of herself and her people.[35] Afterward, she is imprisoned inside a tower in Hyrule Castle. It is revealed that Zelda is unaffected by the veil of Twilight Zant casts upon Hyrule and does not become a spirit like all the other inhabitants of the kingdom. As the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom, Zelda may have been protected by its power.[47]

Zelda, dressed in a dark robe, meets Link during his earliest transformation into a wolf (due to the interaction between the Twilight and his Triforce piece). Later, she transfers her soul and her powers to aid the dying Midna, losing her physical being in the process.[34][126]

Towards the end of the game, Ganondorf possesses the lifeless Zelda, who was being imprisoned in the throne room of Hyrule Castle, transforming her into an enemy known as Puppet Zelda. Link defeats Ganondorf's puppet, and Midna, with the help of the Fused Shadows, returns Princess Zelda to normal.

Ganondorf makes another attempt on Zelda's life soon after, but she is protected by the Light Spirits of Hyrule who grant her the Light Arrows to assist Link in the horseback part of his final battle.[54][55] The last time she is seen in the game is when she and Link say good-bye to Midna at the Mirror of Twilight.

Four Swords Adventures

The Zelda in Four Swords Adventures is the seventh Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the third Zelda chronologically in the Child Timeline branch.

In Four Swords Adventures, Zelda used her telepathy to call Link to Hyrule Castle so she and him can join the Shrine Maidens to investigate the seal on Vaati at the Four Sword Sanctuary, due to ominous clouds of darkness covering Hyrule. However, while using their magic to check the seal, Shadow Link appeared and kidnapped Zelda and the six Maidens and sent Link to the Four Sword Sanctuary. This was all a trap by Shadow Link to cause Link to draw the Four Sword, releasing the seal on the Wind Mage Vaati, allowing him to escape.

Once rescued from Vaati, Link and Zelda flee down the Tower of Winds, similar to the escape from Ganon's Tower in Ocarina of Time. Zelda must be protected from damage during this escape. When nearing the exit however, the four Links and Zelda are sent tumbling deep beneath the tower by Ganon. While the four Link's are out cold, Zelda attempts to seal away Ganon with her magic, but is instead stopped and sealed away by Ganon himself. The four Links fight Ganon together, and eventually weaken him enough to break the seal on Zelda. Zelda then fights Ganon alongside the Links much like in The Wind Waker. While she does not wield the Light Arrows by name, she does wield a ball of light energy which, coupled with Link's arrows, serves the same function of the Light Arrows, stunning Ganon long enough for him to be drawn into the Four Sword. She must be protected from Ganon's attacks so the ball of light energy can become big enough to contain Ganon's evil might.

Adult Timeline

The Adult Timeline is the timeline that follows the events after Link is being sent back to his original time, following the Hero of Time's defeat of Ganondorf in the final battle. Ganondorf is sealed within the Sacred Realm by the Seven Sages but, with Link sent back in time, the world is left without a Hero. This turn of events created the timeline containing The Wind Waker, Phantom Hourglass, and Spirit Tracks.

The Wind Waker

Main article: Tetra

The Zelda in The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass is the sixth Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the first Zelda chronologically in the Adult Timeline branch.

The Wind Waker presents Zelda in a secret identity as Tetra, a female pirate who leads a small group of thieves after the death of her mother.[127] Tetra, however, is even unaware herself of being part of the royal bloodline, and this is a first occurrence for The Legend of Zelda series.[128] Despite this, the female pirate is aware of the existence of Hyrule, the Master Sword, and the legend of the Hero of Time. Tetra's identity as a descendant of Princess Zelda is revealed when she travels with Link to Hyrule Castle, beneath the Great Sea.[46]

Her true identity was first hinted when Link travels to the Forsaken Fortress for a second time and encounters Ganondorf, who, as he grasps Tetra in his hand, realizes that his Triforce of Power is resonating, which could only indicate that Tetra is indeed the Princess Zelda.[129]

Zelda as Tetra displayed a tomboyish demeanor, taking challenges head on and even seeming bossy at times. At the beginning of the game, she does not think much of Link due to his habit of taking actions without thinking things through, and also due to the fact that he gets melancholic as they are setting sail to the Forsaken Fortress to rescue his sister.[130] Once Tetra discovers her true identity, she gains more respect towards the young hero, and apologizes for all that has happened to him and Aryll.[131] While Link and the King of Red Lions set out to look for the pieces of the Triforce of Courage, Zelda stays hidden away in a basement located inside Hyrule Castle in order to prevent getting caught by Ganondorf.[132] However, she is eventually found and is taken to Ganon's Tower, where Link must rescue her after assembling the Triforce of Courage.[133]

Zelda from The Wind Waker is the first Zelda in the series that fights along Link's side in his battle against Ganondorf. In battle, she wields the bow and Light Arrows, similar to her Twilight Princess counterpart.[40] Once Link and Zelda succeed in delivering the final blow, they witness the second flood of Hyrule and promise the King of Hyrule to search for the new land that will be home to the next kingdom of Hyrule.[134] Zelda is last seen as Tetra when she and Link set sail from Outset Island in search for new lands.[135]

Princess Zelda (Figurine from The Wind Waker)
TWW Princess Zelda Figurine Model
Princess Zelda
Princess Zelda is the legitimate heir to the Hyrulean royal family. She is actually the pirate Tetra.

Phantom Hourglass

Princess Zelda appears in this game solely as Tetra, her alter ego in The Wind Waker. She does not regain her royal persona, although quite often when she appears, “Zelda's Lullaby” plays in the background, and she is called "Zelda" by some of the pirates during the game's intro,[136] much to Tetra's chagrin.[137] Her role is somewhat limited in the game as she is kidnapped early on in the story, and when Link finds her at last she has been turned to stone.[138]

After Link defeats Bellum, he and Tetra awaken on the Ghost Ship, only ten minutes after the prologue according to the pirates.[139] Tetra's crew tries to convince her that it was just a dream, but Link finds the Phantom Hourglass in his pocket, and the SS Linebeck is seen sailing in the distance.

(This Zelda is the same one from The Wind Waker)

Spirit Tracks

See also: Phantom Zelda, Possessed Zelda
Spirit Tracks Manual Description
Spirit Tracks logo
Princess Zelda
The princess of Hyrule kingdom. Her physical form is taken by Chancellor Cole as part of an evil plot to resurrect the Demon King. She joins Link on his adventure in her spirit form.
ST Princess Zelda Spirit Flute Model

Princess Zelda with the Spirit Flute

The Zelda in Spirit Tracks is the tenth Zelda appearing in the The Legend of Zelda series, and the second Zelda chronologically in the Adult Timeline branch.

Princess Zelda plays a much larger role in Spirit Tracks than in previous installments, as she herself also aids Link in the salvation of Hyrule. Near the beginning of the game, Link travels to Hyrule Castle to see Zelda and become an official train conductor. Because he is an engineer and the apprentice of Alfonzo, who was once the head of the castle guard, Zelda asks Link to secretly meet her in her quarters later to discuss something with him. Zelda explains to Link that she needs to get to the Tower of Spirits to personally investigate the disappearance of the Spirit Tracks, which she attributes to something that Chancellor Cole is hiding.

For the first time (not counting the non-canonical Phillips CD-i games), it is possible to play as Zelda herself as Link aids the princess to escape the castle. Afterward, Link, Zelda, and Alfonzo attempt to escape via train, but the train crashes due to the tracks disappearing beneath them. Chancellor Cole then appears to attack Zelda and take her body, which he hopes to use to revive the Demon King Malladus; however, Zelda's spirit escapes and returns to Hyrule Castle. There, she meets with Link, now the only one who can see her, to continue their way to the Tower of Spirits, where Zelda learns she can inhabit Phantoms to aid Link. After this, she and Link begin their journey to restore the Spirit Tracks leading to the Tower of Spirits to fortify the Malladus's prison and thus prevent the resurrection of the Demon King.[140]

File:ST Princess Zelda Artwork 2
Zelda as a ghost in Spirit Tracks

Zelda's body is eventually possessed by the resurrected Malladus, although Link frees it by firing a Light Arrow. Despite this, Zelda is unable to reenter her body, and just as Malladus is about to possess it again, Byrne uses his power to repel the Demon King, giving Zelda the strength to pray to her grandmother Tetra to reclaim her body.[141] In the final battle, Zelda, finally back in her own body, charges up her power to weaken the Demon King, which reveals a weak spot on the demon's back.[142] Like in previous games, Princess Zelda's role consists of shooting Light Arrows at Malladus's back from the Bow of Light.[143] Just as Link realizes that he cannot make the final blow to Malladus using the Lokomo Sword on his own, Princess Zelda rushes over to help the young hero, defeating the demon once and for all.[144] Anjean and the rest of the Lokomos depart to the heavens, entrusting Link and Zelda to watch over the land for them.[145] Link and Zelda are then seen holding hands as they witness the departure of the Lokomos.

After the ending credits, Princess Zelda can be seen at her office signing papers and, depending on whether Link chose to be an engineer or a warrior, she will go look out the window and wave at Link upon hearing either a train whistle or swords clanking. If Link selects "Dunno", then Zelda will be signing papers and simply remember the adventure she had with Link.

This Princess Zelda is confirmed to be a direct descendant of Tetra,[20] the pirate captain who was also the incarnation of Princess Zelda in her day, and makes an appearance in a large stained glass window in Hyrule Castle's Throne Room.[146] Princess Zelda states that the Spirit Flute was played for her in her youth by her grandmother, and Anjean states that she gave the Spirit Flute to Tetra long ago, pointing out the similarities between the reigning Princess Zelda and her ancestor, the feisty pirate captain that arrived on the land's shores long ago.

Great Calamity

Breath of the Wild

BotW Zelda The Champions' Ballad Artwork
Artwork of Zelda from
The Champions' Ballad

In Breath of the Wild, Zelda is not only the princess of Hyrule, she is also an aspiring scholar who is very curious.[147][148][149] She is also the leader of the Champions of Hyrule.[150] Zelda is the mysterious voice that guides Link throughout his journey while she contains Calamity Ganon inside of Hyrule Castle.

Zelda has been training to unlock her sealing powers passed down the royal family since she was 7 years old, one year after her mother unexpectedly passed away. With her mother gone there was nobody else around with the sacred power who could teach her how to use it, leaving Zelda to figure it out on her own.[151] 100 years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild, Zelda met with the Champions. After meeting with them, she left the Castle to research ancient technology, but she did not come across anything of note.[152] During this time, she felt the presence of Ganon and devoted herself to learning all she could about ancient relics in order to stop him.[153] She then met with a fortune teller who told her a prophecy, to which Zelda felt that there was not much time left.[154] The following day, Link was appointed as Zelda's knight, to Zelda's chagrin.[155] During the ceremony, Urbosa explains that Link is a living reminder of Zelda's own failures.[156] Link and Zelda then set out to Goron City to make adjustments to the Divine Beast Vah Rudania to make it easier for Daruk to control.[157] During their journey to Eldin, Zelda comes to a stop and asks him how proficient he is wielding his Sword and asks him if he can hear the voice within the blade.[158]

During her time with Link, Zelda wonders why he never speaks.[159] Link's initial silence causes Zelda to believe that Link despised her due to her inability to use sealing power despite being a daughter of Hyrule's royal family.[160] Later on, Zelda discovers an Ancient Shrine and fails to open it.[161] Link arrives at the scene, which angers Zelda and causes her to lash out.[162] She tells Link to return to the castle[163] and testily demands he stop following her, regardless of the King's orders.[164] Later on, Zelda travels to the Gerudo Desert and is ambushed by the Yiga Clan. Link rescues her right before a Yiga assassin is about to kill her, striking him down and causing the other two Yiga to flee. This causes Zelda to change her attitude towards Link, valuing his devotion to protect her.[165] Over the course of their journey, both start to open up to each other and realize how similar they are in their hardships of fulfilling their respective tasks.[166] Her growing care and relationship towards Link plays a crucial role in awakening her legendary abilities,[167] as Link sacrifices himself to save Zelda's life during the second Great Calamity and Zelda's powers awaken when she tries to rescue the wounded Link from a Guardian.[168] Zelda hears a voice inside the Master Sword saying that Link can be saved and orders the Sheikah to transport Link to the Shrine of Resurrection. Then, she goes to the Korok Forest and places the Master Sword in its pedestal to recover. Zelda then spends the next 100 years inside Hyrule Castle with Calamity Ganon, keeping the demon in place within the Castle to prevent the destruction of the entirety of Hyrule. After Link awakens, she then telepathically guides him throughout his journey. Unfortunately, she was not able to hold off Calamity Ganon for much longer before he developed a rudimentary body. After Link managed to disable Calamity Ganon's most powerful form, Dark Beast Ganon, she was freed, and proceeded to destroy Calamity Ganon's essence. She then reconvened with Link for the first time in a hundred years, and asked him if he still remembered her (as Link was initially left with amnesia thanks to his near-death experience). Some time later, she alongside Link left for Lake Hylia in order to investigate what caused the Divine Beast Vah Ruta to stop working, and that they ultimately need to restore Hyrule back to its former glory.

It is implied in one of the songs written by Kass’ teacher that Princess Zelda held romantic feelings for Link. This song can be found after completing the end of the game, and speaking to Kass on the platform by the Ahk Va’quot Shrine in Rito Village.

Her favorite food is Fruitcake, as revealed by a recipe in a book in the Library in Hyrule Castle.[169]

Tears of the Kingdom



Princess Zelda appears in Tears of the Kingdom, picking up where the true ending of Breath of the Wild left off. On their quest to restore the land of Hyrule after the Calamity's damage, Zelda and Link leave the Master Sword in the Great Deku Tree's care. Some time later, they return to retrieve it, where the Great Deku Tree elaborates on Master Sword's self-regenerative properties and its growth from exposure to sacred energy.

At some point in the following years, Zelda and Link discover a strange, dubious substance seeping out from underneath Hyrule Castle, and begin to traverse the castle's underground chambers to investigate. They eventually discover a large mural detailing the Imprisoning War, though the latter portions of the mural are covered by rubble. Proceeding deeper into the chamber, the pair come across a mysterious scene - a gaunt husk of a Gerudo man, seeping with some sort of Malice and sealed away by an ethereal hand pinned to its chest. Unbeknownst to the pair, the sealed corpse is Ganondorf, the Demon King of eons past, having been thwarted by Rauru, a Zonai and the founding King of Hyrule, whose arm is all that remains. Rauru's arm eventually falls off of Ganondorf's body, the secret stone embedded within tumbling out of the socket, where it is picked up by Zelda. Unfortunately, with the seal broken, Ganondorf returns to life and immediately attacks the pair with a frenzied burst of Malice, potent enough to decay Link's arm and cause the Master Sword to shatter upon impact, sending a shard flying into Ganondorf's cheek, slightly wounding him. Ganondorf is amused that the pair could not accomplish anything despite Rauru's faith in them both, and uses his dark magic to send a blast of Malice upward, raising Hyrule Castle from the ground as he falls into the Depths below. Zelda also stumbles, and despite Link attempting to catch her, appears to fall into the Depths while Link is saved by Rauru's arm, which attaches to his right shoulder in place of his corrupted arm. However, Rauru's secret stone amplifies Zelda's dormant power over time, transporting her back in time, directly to Rauru's era.

King Rauru and Queen Sonia eventually stumble across the unconscious Zelda in a field. Upon her awakening and an exchange of introductions with the two, a surprised Zelda quickly realizes how far she had been flung into the past. Rauru also believes her, noticing the similarities between her and Sonia (that being her time-based power and her secret stone), and Sonia elaborates further that she had already sensed Zelda was a descendant of the pair, as well as detecting Rauru's power of light within Zelda as well. Though Zelda is anxious to return to her original era, Sonia comforts her, telling her to come to the castle, as it may take time for an answer to come to her. Additionally, Rauru suggest that his older sister Mineru may be able to help Zelda further.

Traveling with the royal pair, Zelda receives new Zonai clothing and eventually meets Mineru, giving her the Purah Pad to examine. Mineru quickly determines the device is not of the current era, but believes she can get the travel functionality to work again. Zelda allows her to borrow it, and is pleased to hear that Mineru believes her story. Mineru then explains the nature of the secret stones - powerful artifacts that, while unable to help a holder refine their power, greatly amplify it instead. For Zelda, she reveals, the secret stone directly amplifies her power over time rather than light, which would explain how she was suddenly transported to the past. Since Zelda isn't sure how to use her power to return home, the secret stone is of little use to her. However, Mineru also explains a forbidden act known as "draconification" in which an individual ingests a secret stone to transform themselves, shedding their former self to become an "immortal dragon, one blessed with eternal life". Mineru is personally against the idea, since Zelda would be compromising her person completely, and apologizes for being unable to help further. While Zelda is dejected, Rauru still suggests there is reason for her to have hope, as if she can study and learn to control her time power with Sonia's help, she might be able to return home on her own.

The kingdom is eventually alerted to an approaching swarm of Molduga, commanded by Ganondorf. To defeat them, Rauru channels energy with the help of his secret stone, and Sonia uses hers to help increase Rauru's power, enveloped in a golden aura. Prompted by Sonia, Zelda attempts to do the same, and to the surprise of both herself and Sonia, generates an even larger aura than Sonia's. With their powers combined, Rauru's subsequent blast of light easily disposes of the Molduga swarm. Following these events, Ganondorf arrives in the kingdom, swearing fealty to King Rauru before leaving. Zelda speaks her misgivings about the Gerudo leader's intentions to Rauru, especially concerned regarding his name's similarity to that of Calamity Ganon's. Rauru reveals he is aware of Ganondorf's evil nature, but is confident in keeping him close by to observe him more easily. Zelda relents, but her face remains worried.

Some time later, Zelda meets with Sonia and Rauru for tea, but accidentally knocks over one of the cups. Sonia returns it to the table with Recall and notes Zelda's anxiety, revealing she understands how the princess is torn between helping them and returning to her own era. However, she encourages Zelda to focus on her return through time, especially in order to put Link's mind at ease. At the mentioning of Link, Rauru interjects, not knowing the name, so Zelda explains her history with Link, revealing his heroic actions and determined personality to the two.

One night, Sonia and Zelda are alerted to the presence of a fake Zelda, created by Ganondorf, and prepare a trap for the imposter. When the fake Zelda attempts to dispatch Sonia with a blade, Sonia reveals her awareness of the imposter's true nature, and Zelda - having further trained her time powers - catches the blade with Recall before it can reach the Hylian queen. Despite the exposed scheme, the false Zelda laughs before dissolving into darkness, and Sonia is subsequently executed with a surprise strike to the back by Ganondorf, who had infiltrated the castle. Distraught, Zelda rushes to the unconscious queen's side, but to no avail, as Ganondorf had already snatched Sonia's secret stone for himself. Laughing, he begins to emanate malice and gloom as he places the secret stone on his forehead, transforming into the Demon King in a crimson cyclone. Zelda can only watch as the transformation completes and the moon turns a blood-red color. With an outstretched hand, Demon King Ganondorf summons a massive army of monsters to terrorize Hyrule. Rauru enters the room, infuriated by Ganondorf's actions, but Zelda convinces him to try and protect Sonia instead. As Ganondorf blasts Malice at the trio, Rauru defends the women with a shield of light, but is clearly outmatched. Just before the Malice consumes them all, Zelda pulls out the Purah Pad and uses the Mineru-repaired travel function to transport the three out of the room.

Ganondorf's new power allows him to quickly begin devastating the land of Hyrule. Within the confines of a location presently known as the Forgotten Temple, Zelda meets with Rauru, Mineru, and their masked aides - a Goron, a Gerudo, a Zora, and a Rito. After declaring their union, Rauru reveals the presence of four more secret stones to the group, granting them to the aides. Later, Zelda meets Rauru by the grave of the now-deceased Sonia, who did not survive her injury. Zelda reveals the rest of her circumstances to Rauru, recalling how she and Link discovered a mummified corpse underground she can now clearly identify as Ganondorf, and is terrified at the prospect of being unable to defeat the Demon King in the current past. Seeing Rauru's right arm worries her even more, as she realizes what the king's fate will be. Rauru, however, is accepting of his path, prepared to make up for his hubris and live up to his duty as ruler. Zelda is then surprised to hear Rauru say that Link, with the Master Sword in tow, will be Hyrule's last line of defense. Additionally, Rauru reminds Zelda that the future she lives in is one where she never appeared in the past, and her presence in the past era must have some significance - that is, she was sent to the past for a reason. Rauru then departs, leaving Zelda wondering what her purpose in the past truly is.

The ancient war between good and evil reaches its climax during the king and his Sages' confrontation with Ganondorf. With the Demon King's power proving too much for even their combined powers, Rauru prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to seal Ganondorf away. As Mineru collapses, the remaining four Sages use the last of their strength to launch their weapons at Ganondorf, who evades them easily. Zelda attempts to use Recall to send the weapons back at the Demon King, but Ganondorf anticipates the technique and smacks them aside. However, this provides Rauru with the perfect opportunity to surprise-attack Ganondorf with a punch to his abdomen, binding his heart and stealing his magic to hold him in place for as long as he possibly can. With the Demon King sealed, the "Imprisoning War" is brought to an end, but the victory is at best bittersweet - and dangerously temporary.

Later, in the Temple of Time, Zelda reflects on the botched success of the group's efforts to defeat Ganondorf, recalling how easily the Master Sword shattered against a weakened Ganondorf's powers despite a flying shard cutting the Gerudo's cheek, and remains unsure if Link can live up to Rauru's expectations. Just then, her secret stone begins to glow. She walks outside to the temple's altar, where a golden light seems to resonate with her secret stone. Approaching the light, Zelda watches with amazement as the damaged Master Sword appears from it, landing in her hands. Zelda is astonished at the Master Sword's presence, but then the sword (presumably the spirit of Fi) speaks to her with a bluish glow, informing her that Link is safe and that it had traveled back to the past on purpose to recover and build up enough strength to destroy Ganondorf. Finally, Zelda realizes her purpose in the past - to safeguard the Master Sword as it rejuvenates, and return it to Link when the time comes.

Thinking back on Mineru's explanation of draconification, Zelda becomes determined to undergo the process in order to fulfill her purpose, as her sacred powers of light would greatly energize the Master Sword over time. Though Mineru initially remains against the idea, she eventually relents after Zelda reaffirms her decision, agreeing to help both Zelda and Link in spirit even if her body perishes. Afterwards, the two devise their strategy: Mineru would use her powers as the Sage of Spirit to transfer her soul to the Purah Pad before the gloom took its full toll on her physical body, while Zelda would go through with draconification to protect the Master Sword, which Link would hopefully retrieve in the present day.

After giving a Zonai attendant the Purah Pad, with Mineru inhabiting it, Zelda steels herself, then swallows Rauru's secret stone. As the sky darkens, Zelda becomes bathed in a brilliant light, but is overcome with pain. Staggering towards the Master Sword, she is eventually able to grasp it, holding it to her chest as the light intensifies and the ground begins to shake. Crying out for Link to protect Hyrule one last time, her eyes suddenly turn draconic as the light explodes into a colossal dome of energy, engulfing her as she transforms into the Light Dragon and soars into the air with a roar. The four remaining Sages look on as the dragon's tears, containing Zelda's last remaining memories, leave her, scattering across the land. With the Master Sword embedded in the Light Dragon's head, it begins the long, arduous process of healing and strengthening, constantly protected by Zelda's heartbreaking sacrifice.

In the present day, Link - with Impa's assistance - discovers that the tears have created large, glowing markings on the earth known as geoglyphs. Upon reaching pools of mystical water in each geoglyph, one of the Light Dragon's tears appears before him, allowing him to experience Zelda's memories in the past and gradually piece them together. The final tear, shed by the Light Dragon in the present, details the memory of Zelda's draconification and vow to the hero. Seeking out the Great Deku Tree for knowledge, Link and the elder tree find out that the presence of the Master Sword is constantly shifting. Taking to the skies, Link eventually lands atop the Light Dragon and - discovering the Master Sword in the dragon's head - attempts to unsheathe it. The Light Dragon does not take kindly to this, and begins writhing and roaring as if trying to throw Link off. However, with at least twice his base stamina, Link is able to hang on for dear life. The Light Dragon then realizes it is Link who attempts to reclaim the sacred blade and stops trying to thwart him, instead flying into the skies above, revealing an endless, golden realm of light.

The hairs of the Light Dragon untwist from the Master Sword, allowing Link to finally pull it out of the dragon's head and raise it skyward. Link then experiences a vision of Zelda before she draconified, where the princess reminds him of the Master Sword's first loss to the Demon King, but promises that with her sacred strength reinforcing them both, they can turn the tides. Calling Link her final hope, she prays that the sword would reach him in the future. Upon exiting the sacred sky, the Light Dragon drops Link off at the Temple of Time before flying off into the distance.

The Light Dragon later returns to confront Ganondorf, having also undergone draconification to become the Demon Dragon, in the game's final battle. Upon seeing the Light Dragon, the Demon Dragon roars in anger, releasing Link from its jaws. Before the exhausted Link can plummet to his doom, the Light Dragon catches him in mid-air, and the two fly back up to confront the Demon Dragon in an skyward showdown.

Link finally slays the Demon Dragon with the revitalized sword of legend, and both he and the Light Dragon watch as the embodiment of evil detonates in a crimson geyser of light. Suddenly, both Link and the Light Dragon enter a mysterious realm containing nothing but a swirl of green clouds. Rauru's arm begins to glow and extend towards the Light Dragon, releasing tiny particles of energy towards it. Rauru and Sonia's spirits appear on either side of Link, covering his hand with their own to add more even more energy. The light eventually envelops the dragon whole, and after a bright flash, Zelda returns to her natural form. As Rauru and Sonia's spirits depart for the afterlife, Link and the unconscious Zelda are transported back to Hyrule, falling from the sky. With all the remaining strength he can muster, Link dives after Zelda, catching her just before they land in a lake.

Zelda awakens, and is surprised to see Link with her, but notices he wears the restored Master Sword in its sheath, and realizes that the Demon King has been vanquished, wondering if she is dreaming. Overjoyed at Link's victory, she suddenly stops, questioning how she made it to the present day, but then understands that she had been "sleeping" throughout the passage of time, but when she felt something akin to a "warm, loving embrace", she woke up. Looking at the raised Hyrule Castle, she then turns to Link, excited to tell him all about ancient Hyrule and the people she met, before happily declaring that she's back home.[170]

Some time later, Zelda, Link, Mineru (who had inhabited a Zonai construct), Purah, the new Sages (Tulin, Riju, Sidon and Yunobo) all arrive atop the Temple of Time to take in the view, per Mineru's request. After revealing how Rauru and Sonia must have channeled their powers into Link to change Zelda back, Mineru's spirit then departs to join her brother and her sister-in-law for the afterlife, but not before the new Sages make a declaration to support Zelda and protect Hyrule, much like Mineru and the ancient Sages did long ago. With a final reflection on the life of the ancient Sages and royal family, Zelda asks her present-day allies to stand with her, overlooking the land of Hyrule.

Spinoff appearances

Zelda (Game & Watch)

Zelda (Game & Watch) Manual Description
Zelda (Game & Watch) logo
Princess Zelda
Link's sweetheart who was kidnapped by the dragons and locked inside a deep dungeon.


Philips CD-i games

The Faces of Evil

TFoE Zelda Cutscene Sprite

In The Faces of Evil, Zelda is the daughter of King Harkinian, whom she lives with in Hyrule Castle. She plays a small role in The Faces of Evil; when Link prepares to leave for Koridai after being informed that the island was captured by Ganon, he asks Zelda for a kiss of luck, but she rejects him. Later during his quest, Link and Gwonam learn that Zelda had been captured by Ganon during Link's absence and was put under a sleeping spell. While exploring Fortress Centrum, Link finds her asleep in its tower, but she turns out to actually be Goronu in disguise who ambushes him. After defeating Ganon, Link finds the real Zelda asleep in her cell in Ganon's Lair. Her curse is broken and she awakes when Link rings a nearby gong. He exclaims that he just saved her, though she teasingly does not believe him. Gwonam then arrives to take the pair back to Hyrule, and Zelda again rejects Link when he asks for a kiss.

The Wand of Gamelon

Zelda plays a much larger role as the playable character in The Wand of Gamelon. She is informed by her father, King Harkinian, that the island of Gamelon was seized by Ganon, and its ruler Duke Onkled is in urgent need of assistance. Zelda pleads with her father not to go when he volunteers to leave for the island, but is instead ordered to send Link should he fail to return. Impa reassures Zelda that the King will safely return, according to the Triforce of Wisdom. Despite the Triforce's prophecy, both King Harkinian and Link go missing, prompting Zelda and Impa to go to Gamelon to find them. There Zelda ventures to defeat Ganon's minions, who have seized control of the island. She eventually learns of her father's capture and Duke Onkled's betrayal, and works with Lord Kiro in finding Duke Onkled and coercing him into revealing Ganon's location. At the end of her quest, Zelda confronts Ganon at Reesong Palace and defeats him with the Wand of Gamelon, an item she found during her quest. Although King Harkinian is saved, Link remains missing, which Zelda quickly notices. Lady Alma, a woman who Zelda met on her quest, disregards him and Zelda retaliates by breaking her mirror. This causes Link to inexplicably reappear, implying that he was trapped inside it. When asked what had happened, Zelda laughs and tells Link they are about to have a feast.

Zelda's Adventure

ZeldaZA

Zelda in Zelda's Adventure

In Zelda's Adventure, Zelda is once again the playable character. Unlike her appearance from the previous CD-i games, she appears to be more humble and does not speak at all, akin to Link in canon games. She wields the Wand as opposed to a sword, which she uses as her main weapon and to cast offensive spells. She is summoned to Tolemac by the astronomer Gaspra as his chosen warrior to combat Ganon, who had stolen the land's Celestial Signs and had captured Link. Zelda thus embarks on her mission to recover the seven Signs and rescue Link, guided by Gaspra and Shurmak along the way. She battles the keepers of Tolemac's Shrines where the Signs are kept, and meets many other helpful and tricky characters. Eventually she finds the final Celestial Sign, but is stopped by Ganon and thrown into a series of fights in the Vision Henge, eventually leading to the final showdown with Ganon. Zelda defeats him, thus freeing Link and returning peace and light to Hyrule and Tolemac.

Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland

TRRZelda


While Princess Zelda does not appear in person, she is depicted on Madame Scratchcard's scratchcards.

Hyrule Warriors

File:HW Zelda Render
Zelda from
Hyrule Warriors

In Hyrule Warriors, Princess Zelda is the leader of the Hyrulean Army and the princess of Hyrule. As an incarnation of Zelda, she is the embodiment of Hylia and holds the Triforce of Wisdom. She is a playable character who has a Rapier as her basic weapon and also utilizes her Bow and Light Arrows. She uses a rapid combination of the Spells from Ocarina of Time (Nayru's Love, Farore's Wind, and Din's Fire) as her Special Technique while she has her Focus Spirit enabled. She also has a unique mechanic where she can summon orbs of light to enhance her attacks.

An alternate weapon she acquires is the Baton, with her default being the Wind Waker. She uses it to conjure magical music made from wind and lightning in order to attack. While not as speedy as her default, she is given attacks with a lot more range and crowd control. Some of the songs she can use are "Saria's Song", the "Song of Storms", the "Earth God's Lyric", and the "Wind God's Aria".

In the Twilight Princess DLC Pack, her third weapon is the Dominion Rod. The rod can be used to summon and control one of two different statues at a time. They act as a second weapon in that they attack alongside the Rod's standard light-energy attacks. They also greatly increase the range and power of Zelda's regular attacks and combos. It is of the Dark Element.

Zelda appears to be based upon her Twilight Princess appearance, but slightly more stylized. Her default battle outfit is modeled on her usual pink dress but includes greaves, a fauld, gauntlets, pauldrons, and a breastplate. Her Twilight Princess, Ocarina of Time, and Skyward Sword incarnations are included with the Wisdom costumes set.

In Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition, her Breath of the Wild outfit is included when completing the first Scenario along with Link's Champion Tunic.

Other appearances

Princess is also featured in other media, including comics based on the games, animated shows, and the Super Smash Bros. (series). In some of her appearances, she is depicted as a brave, proud, and self-reliant fighter who is proficient in archery and horseback riding, such as in the The Legend of Zelda comics by Valiant Comics and The Legend of Zelda TV series. As with the games, she is the protector of the Triforce of Wisdom.

Alter-egos

Sheik

OoT Sheik Artwork
Main article: Sheik

In Ocarina of Time, Link met up with a mysterious member of the Sheikah Tribe, fittingly called Sheik. This person taught Link a multitude of different songs and gave him tips on how to proceed in his quest. At the end of the game, Sheik revealed himself to be none other than Princess Zelda in a disguise.[5] During the seven years Link had been asleep while maturing to become ready to fight Ganondorf, Zelda had gone underground and taken the disguise as Sheik so that Ganondorf would not find her in his search for the two remaining pieces of the Triforce, one of which was held by Princess Zelda herself.[85][86]

In the Super Smash Bros. series, Sheik is available as a playable character starting from Super Smash Bros. Melee. In Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Zelda can transform into and out of Sheik by using her down special Transform, granting herself an entirely different moveset and playstyle. Starting from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Zelda and Sheik were made into separate characters, granting Sheik Bouncing Fish as a new down special in place of her old one.

TWWHD Tetra Artwork

Tetra

Main article: Tetra

Born into a society of pirates on the Great Sea, Tetra, captain of a crew of pirates, was completely unaware that she was a member of the Royal Family of Hyrule's bloodline.[127][128] When this was revealed to her by Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, she was just as surprised as Link to find out that she was indeed a descendant of Princess Zelda of Hyrule and also the one destined to be the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.[46]

Leader of the Sages

In Ocarina of Time, Zelda is revealed to be the seventh Sage and the leader of them all.[5]

Goddess Hylia

Main article: Hylia

Before the events of Skyward Sword, a goddess named Hylia defeated Demise. In order to protect the Triforce, in a two-part plan, Hylia renounced her divine body to reborn in an human being. This human was born eons after under the name of Zelda.[42]

Light Dragon

Main article: Light Dragon

After realizing that the Master Sword traveled through time in order to find her and recover her strength, Zelda realizes her purpose in the ancient Hyrule, repair the Master Sword to its former glory and deliver it to Link. To do so, Zelda urdergoes the process of draconification and transforms into the Light Dragon, thus managing to pour her sacred power into the sword for thousands of years.

Other Princesses of Hyrule

Besides the Princess Zeldas that appear in the games, the back story to some of the games feature additional unnamed Princesses of Hyrule who have a similar appearance to Princess Zelda.

Princess from the Minish Legend

See also: Minish Legend
TMC Stained Glass Sprite

The Princess of Hyrule from the Minish Legend

The back story of The Minish Cap tells of the Minish Legend. In the Minish Legend, a hero clad in green clothes, the Hero of Men arose to fight the demons attacking the world. This story of the Minish Legend is depicted in a series of stained glass windows beneath the Elemental Sanctuary. One of the stained glass windows depicts a Princess of Hyrule wielding the Light Force. Using the stained glass window, Vaati is able to deduce that the Light Force is currently held by the current Princess Zelda.

Antediluvian Princess

See also: Tetra's Pirate Crew
TWW Portrait

The Princess of Hyrule from before the Great Flood

In The Wind Waker, when Link travels to Hyrule Castle beneath the Great Sea, there is a portrait of the Princess of Hyrule (around the age of Tetra) from before the Great Flood hanging on the wall of the castle. In the portrait, the princess is surrounded by several characters, all of which have a counterpart to a member of Tetra's Pirate Crew. It is known that during the Great Flood, she took a piece of the Triforce of Wisdom which had been broken in two by her father and fled to the mountaintops with several of her servants.[171]

Ten Thousand Years prior to Breath of the Wild

Zelda 10000 years ago

The Princess of Hyrule from 10,000 years ago

Learned by Impa and Kass, the Zelda that lived ten thousand years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild assisted Link and the four Champions in defending Hyrule from Calamity Ganon. Successfully defeating the Calamity, Zelda sealed Ganon away for ten thousand years, leading to his release one hundred years before the events of Breath of the Wild.

Zelda's Weapons

Bow and Arrows of Light

Main article: Zelda's Bow
Zelda LightArrow

Zelda using her Bow in Twilight Princess

In several games, starting with Ocarina of Time, Zelda either wields the Light Arrows or bestows them on Link, allowing him to defeat Ganon. In some cases, she is also able to summon a magical bow made from pure light in order to fire the arrows.

In Hyrule Warriors, the magical bow and light arrows can be summoned as part of Zelda's combos and special attacks while wielding her rapiers.

Rapier

In Twilight Princess, Zelda carries an ornate rapier, seemingly as a sword of state. When possessed by Ganondorf, she also uses it as a weapon against Link.

In Hyrule Warriors, this rapier is named the "Polished Rapier", and is one of several rapiers the princess can use, alongside the more ornate Glittering Rapier, the extravagant Gleaming Rapier, which also bears the royal crest, and the humorous 8-Bit White Sword, a joke weapon.

Baton

While Zelda does not wield the Wind Waker in its titular introduction, The Wind Waker, it is claimed to be an instrument of the royal family used by the monarch in conducting the Sages.

In Hyrule Warriors, Zelda is able to use the Wind Waker to conduct magical songs that summon wind and lightning. She can also use the Sacred Baton, which resembles a crystallized gust of wind, and the Glorious Baton, which resembles a Great Fairy's locks of hair.

Quotes

Main article: Princess Zelda/Quotes

Trivia

  • Link's Awakening and Tri Force Heroes are the only games where Princess Zelda's presence is completely absent. However, Link mentions her at the beginning of Link's Awakening.[97][98] Princess Zelda's clothing, the Legendary Dress, also appears in Tri Force Heroes, which is based on its design from A Link Between Worlds.
  • Breath of the Wild is the first main series game to supply Princess Zelda with English voice acting. In it, she speaks with an English accent. It is technically also the second main series game to supply full voice acting overall, with the Navi Trackers mode for the Japanese version of Four Swords Adventures being the first with Zelda's alter-ego Tetra.
  • What Zelda says to Link regarding his memories and courage immediately prior to the final battle with Ganon in Breath of the Wild varied between languages. In the Japanese version, Zelda states that she believes in Link and his courage regardless of whether he regained his memories,[172] while in the English localization, she instead states that courage doesn't need to be remembered due to one never forgetting the concept in the first place.[173]
  • During the final battle with Ganon in Ocarina of Time and its remake Ocarina of Time 3D, whenever Link ends up hit by one of Ganon's attacks, Princess Zelda can be heard gasping in horror.
  • According to Breath of the Wild, her favorite food is Fruitcake and her favorite flower is the Silent Princess.
  • In Breath of the Wild, Zelda had not long turned 17 years old when the second Great Calamity began.
  • In Breath of the Wild, Princess Zelda has sported four different outfits depending on where she is and what she is doing; she wears a deep blue elegant and formal dress when she is at home in Hyrule Castle, a blue casual shirt and dark capri pants when she's doing fieldwork or traveling about, a white ceremonial robe when she is doing spiritual training, and a thick white winter outfit with boots when she is in a freezing environment.
  • Biologically, the oldest version of Zelda is in Twilight Princess where she is 20, though Zelda is chronologically 117 in Breath of the Wild and over 10,117 years old by the end of Tears of the Kingdom.
  • Tears of the Kingdom is the first game where Zelda has short hair, rather than long hair.
  • Princess Zelda's name was at one point misspelled Zeldaâ [sic] on Zelda.com.[174]

Nomenclature

Shigeru Miyamoto stated that the Princess Zelda's name originated from Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of the acclaimed author, F. Scott Fitzgerald.[175] The name "Zelda" ultimately derives from "Griselda," which may come from the Germanic elements gris ("gray") and hild ("battle"). Griselda itself means "happy", "lucky", or "blessed", while Grizelda means "endless patience".

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageNameMeaning
United KingdomEnglishBRZelda (CoH)
JapanJapaneseゼルダ姫 (Zeruda-hime) (TLoZ | TAoL | ALttP | OoT | ST | ALBW)[176][177][178][179][180][181]
ゼルダ (Zeruda) (OoT | ALBW | CoH)[182][183]
ゼルダ (Zeruda) (OoT | ALBW | CoH)[184][185]
ゼルダ (Zeruda) (OoT | ALBW | CoH)[186][187]
Zelda
Zelda
ChinaChineseSI塞尔达 (Sàiěrdá) (CoH)
Taiwan, Hong Kong, MacaoChineseTR薩爾達 (Sàěrdá) (CoH)
NetherlandsDutchZelda (TLoZ | TAoL | CoH)[188][189]
Prinses Zelda (TMC)[190]
Princess Zelda
CanadaFrenchCAZelda (ALBW | HWDE | CoH | HWAoC)[191][192]
Princesse Zelda (ALBW)[193]
FranceFrenchEUZelda (TLoZ | SS | ALBW | HWDE | HWAoC)[194][195][196][197]
Princesse Zelda (OoT | TWWHD | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[198][199][200][201]
Princesse Zelda (OoT | TWWHD | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[202][203][204][205]
Princesse Zelda (OoT | TWWHD | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[206][207][208][209]
Princesse Zelda (OoT | TWWHD | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[210][211][212][213]
Princesse Zelda (OoT | TWWHD | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[214][215][216][217]
Princess Zelda
Princess Zelda
Princess Zelda
GermanyGermanPrinzessin Zelda (TLoZ | TAoL | ALttP | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[218][219][220][221][222]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | CoH | HWAoC)[223][224]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | CoH | HWAoC)[225][226]
de-niwa:ZeldaZelda (HWDE)[227]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | CoH | HWAoC)[228][229]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | CoH | HWAoC)[230][231]
Princess Zelda
IsraelModern Hebrewהנסיכה זלדה (hnschh zldh) (BotW)
ItalyItalianPrincipessa Zelda (TLoZ | TAoL | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[232][233][234][235]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[236]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[237]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[238]
Zelda (LANS | ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[239]
South KoreaKorean젤다 공주 (Jelda Gongju) (ALBW)[240]
젤다 (Jelda) (ALBW | CoH)[241]
젤다 (Jelda) (ALBW | CoH)[242]
젤다 공주가 (Jelda Gongjuga) (CoH)
Princess Zelda
Zelda
RussiaRussianЗельду (Zel'da) (TLoZ)[243]
Зельда (Zel'da) (HWDE)
Принцесса Зельда (Printsessa Zel'da) (CoH)
SpainSpanishEUPrincesa Zelda (TLoZ | TMC | ALBW | CoH)[244][245][246]
Zelda (ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[247]
Zelda (ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[248]
Zelda (ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[249]
Latin AmericaSpanishLAZelda (ALBW | HWDE | CoH)[250]
Princesa Zelda (ALBW)[251]
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery

See Also

Notes

References

  1. "Zelda" — Announcer (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 16
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 17
  4. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 94
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom...is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Link... Go now to Hyrule Castle... There, thou will surely meet the Princess of Destiny..." — Great Deku Tree (Ocarina of Time)
  7. "The Flames of Sorrow, Destruction and Despair burn brightly. The return of the Evil King Ganon approaches. The Holy Sacrifice, Zelda, is all that remains! When we call Ganon's spirit into the vessel, it will be done! You can't stop us! Prepare to meet your doom!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Seasons)
  8. Oracle of Seasons manual, pg. 7
  9. "The Flames of Sorrow, Destruction and Despair burn brightly. The return of the Evil King Ganon approaches. The Holy Sacrifice, Zelda, is all that remains! When we call Ganon's spirit into the vessel, it will be done! You can't stop us! Prepare to meet your doom!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Ages)
  10. Oracle of Ages manual, pg. 7
  11. "We're wasting our time here, Your Highness!" — Cole (Spirit Tracks)
  12. "Yes, we plucked Her Majesty from her perch in the clouds, and now she's ours." — Ghirahim (Skyward Sword)
  13. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 11
  14. Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 67
  15. "Lady Zelda gave me specific instructions. She asked me to wait to show you this." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  16. "They do indeed... If I recall correctly, it was called the sword that seals the darkness. The Princess of Hyrule supposedly hid it away in a forest somewhere." — Riju (Breath of the Wild)
  17. 17.0 17.1 The Crystal Trap, Simon & Schuster, pg. 0
  18. "Zelda
    Burgeoning Scholar, Princess
    " — N/A (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  19. 19.0 19.1 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 223
  20. 20.0 20.1 Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 133
  21. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 77
  22. "That princess was my own daughter... My dear Zelda." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  23. "And Mother said her own power would develop within me." — Princess Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  24. "Grandmother heard them—the voices from the spirit realm." — Princess Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  25. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 293(SS)
  26. "Zelda
    Burgeoning Scholar, Princess
    " — Gallery (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  27. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 219,(TLoZ) 223,(TAoL) 227,(ALttP) 238,(OoT) 250,(OoS) 254,(OoA) 257,(TWW) 263,(FS) 265,(FSA) 270,(TMC) 276,(TP) 288(ST) & 299(ALBW)
  28. "The words of guidance you have been hearing since your awakening are from Princess Zelda herself." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  29. ""It's not like we're trying to plan ahead for those theories, but in the series, there's this idea of reincarnation in that Zelda and Link, as they appear in the different titles, they are not the same person per se, but there's sort of this fundamental soul that carries on.""[1], Game Informer, retrieved December 9, 2023.
  30. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — PRIMA Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 16
  31. "Tomorrow...is my seventeenth birthday. So then I shall go... and make my way up the mountain." — Princess Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  32. "Everything that's happened to you and your poor sister... It's all been my fault....I'm so sorry." — Princess Zelda (The Wind Waker)
  33. "All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing... I was so young...I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my mistakes..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  34. 34.0 34.1 "Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead... These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you..." — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
  35. 35.0 35.1 "It is time for you to choose: surrender or die. Oh yes, a question for all the land and people of Hyrule... Life? or Death?!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
  36. 36.0 36.1 "We must stop him from freeing himself from the seal that imprisons him. At any cost... That is why I intend to remain here in this time and place... To sustain the seal as best as I can. As long as I continue this vigil, we may be able to prevent the demon king from fully reviving himself in our own time." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  37. "Please make sure Byrne remains unharmed, Anjean." — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  38. "Are you sure, my dear? He is the one who stole your body, after all." — Anjean (Spirit Tracks)
  39. "Yes, but once I reclaim it... I would like to have words with him!" — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 "I'll use this bow to cover you! Attack him as best you can!" — Princess Zelda (The Wind Waker)
  41. 41.0 41.1 "One night, a girl's voice awakens you from your sleep. She telepathically pleads. "Help me... My name is Zelda... I am in the castle dungeon."" (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 7)
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 "You are the chosen hero, and I, Zelda... I am the goddess reborn as a mortal." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  43. "Princess Zelda / The princess of Hyrule and a longtime friend of Link." (The Minish Cap manual, pg. 5)
  44. "Princess Zelda / The King's daughter, Hyrule's princess." (Ocarina of Time manual, pg. 7)
  45. 45.0 45.1 "Fearing his wicked rule, Zelda, the princess of this kingdom, split up the Triforce of Wisdom into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm to save the last remaining Triforce from the clutches of the evil Ganon." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3)
  46. 46.0 46.1 46.2 "You are the true heir of the royal family of Hyrule...the last link in the bloodline." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  47. 47.0 47.1 "Like you, I have been granted special powers by the goddesses..." — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
  48. "This necklace you wear is part of a sacred treasure called the Triforce of Wisdom, which has been passed down for many ages within the royal family of Hyrule." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  49. "Hey, have you heard that Princess Zelda sees prophetic visions in her dreams?" — Hylian (Ocarina of Time)
  50. "I had a dream... In the dream, dark storm clouds were billowing over the land of Hyrule... But suddenly, a ray of light shot out of the forest, parted the clouds and lit up the ground... The light turned into a figure holding a green and shining stone, followed by a fairy... I know this is a prophecy that someone would come from the forest..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  51. "I'm using my power to hold the Evil King! You use your sword and deliver the final blow!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  52. "Six Sages... Now!!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  53. "Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  54. 54.0 54.1 "I'll try to slow Ganondorf with my light arrows! You target him and keep him within range of my arrows!" — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
  55. 55.0 55.1 "Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and wide upon the lands of our world... In my hour of need, grant me the light to banish evil!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  56. "Hey, look! Now that I'm a Phantom, I can walk through fire and lava! Hee hee hee! I'm like a walking, talking shield, Link!" — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  57. The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 8
  58. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 77
  59. 59.0 59.1 "In his grief, the prince placed the princess in this room. He hoped that someday she would come back to life. So that this tragedy would never be forgotten, he ordered that every female child born into the royal household shall be given the name Zelda." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 8)
  60. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 105
  61. "You've been friends since you were kids? Big deal. It doesn't change the fact that you float through life with your head in the clouds." — Groose (Skyward Sword)
  62. "He's a student at the academy, like all of us." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  63. "I thought that tornado I stirred up would have tossed and torn you apart, yet here you are. Not in pieces." — Ghirahim (Skyward Sword)
  64. "But the past...oh, the past... So full of possibilities. I shall resurrect him there with the divine soul of this golden-haired girl!" — Ghirahim (Skyward Sword)
  65. "The one you saw by Zelda's side is known as Impa. She is a being sent forth by the goddess to aid Zelda in her quest." — Impa (Skyward Sword)
  66. "You cannot go to him, Your Grace. Remember what we discussed. Restrain yourself. Focus on the task at hand." — Impa (Skyward Sword)
  67. "I set out to pray at the goddess statues located in each temple across the land. Each statue stirred up memories within me. After I visited them all, Impa, an agent of the goddess, led me here...to the past." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  68. "The spirit maiden who descended from the clouds must travel to two sacred places to purify her body." — Fi (Skyward Sword)
  69. "To face Demise and bring hope back to the land, the goddess Hylia needed someone with an unbreakable spirit. That someone is you, [Link]." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  70. "I knew that if it meant saving Zelda, you would throw yourself headfirst into any danger, without even a moment's doubt... I... I used you." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  71. "When Demise is finally gone, there will be no more need for the seal that binds him, and then I'll be able to wake up." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  72. "It's best for everyone if you forget about your friend. The little goddess is mine now! My master may have perished in this age, but in the past he lives yet! I'm taking the girl back through that gate to help me revive the demon king!" — Ghirahim (Skyward Sword)
  73. "Ah... But never mind that. Victory is still mine to savor. While we fought, the ritual I started continued... At last, it's complete! The demon king shall devour the soul of the goddess and resurrect in his full glory!" — Ghirahim (Skyward Sword)
  74. "Look around us! As a child, I always dreamed of a world below. I wanted to see the surface with my own eyes and feel the land's warm breeze on my skin. I... I think I want to live here. I always want to feel solid ground beneath my feet, see the clouds above my head, and watch over the Triforce." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  75. "Zelda's childhood friend, a young boy named Link, claimed the strange power of the Four Sword and fought Vaati fiercely." (Four Swords Adventures manual, pg. 13)
  76. "She asked a boy named Link, whom she trusted above anyone else, to accompany her to investigate the happenings at the shrine." (Four Swords manual, pg. 31)
  77. "Can you see the man with the evil eyes? That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere. [...] The dark clouds that covered Hyrule in my dream... They must symbolize that man!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  78. "What?! Who?! Who are you? How did you get past the guards?" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  79. "But...I can sense that man's evil intentions! What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And, he wants to conquer Hyrule... no, the entire world! Link...now, we are the only ones who can protect Hyrule! Please!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  80. 80.0 80.1 "We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it! You go find the other two Spiritual Stones! Let's get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  81. "Link...Can you hear me? It's me, Zelda... Link, when you hold this Ocarina in your hand... I won't be around anymore... I wanted to wait for you, but I couldn't delay any longer... At least I could leave you the Ocarina and this melody..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  82. "I saw you as I was escaping from the castle with my attendant, Impa. I thought I should entrust the Ocarina to you... I thought that would be our best chance..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  83. "When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest... One on a high mountain... One under a vast lake... One within the house of the dead... One inside a goddess of the sand... Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world..." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
  84. "I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs..." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
  85. 85.0 85.1 "I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  86. 86.0 86.1 "I passed myself off as a Sheikah and hoped that you would return. I waited for seven years..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  87. "Princess Zelda...you foolish traitor! I commend you for avoiding my pursuit for seven long years. But you let your guard down... I knew you would appear if I let this kid wander around! My only mistake was to slightly underestimate the power of this kid... No... It was not the kid's power I misjudged, it was the power of the Triforce of Courage! But, with the Triforce of Wisdom that Zelda has... When I obtain these two Triforces... Then, I will become the true ruler of the world!! If you want to rescue Zelda, come to my castle!" — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  88. "All the tragedy that has befallen Hyrule was my doing... I was so young...I could not comprehend the consequences of trying to control the Sacred Realm. I dragged you into it, too. Now it is time for me to make up for my mistakes... You must lay the Master Sword to rest and close the Door of Time... However, by doing this, the road between times will be closed. Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  89. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 92
  90. "The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear." — N/A (The Wind Waker)
  91. "But no one ever returned. One day evil power began to flow from the Golden Land... So the King commanded seven wise men to seal the gate to the Land of the Golden Power." — N/A (A Link to the Past)
  92. "Through evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one after another. And the time of destiny for Princess Zelda is drawing near." — N/A (A Link to the Past)
  93. "Link! You are a second too late. I have failed... Zelda... The soldiers have abducted her. They have taken her to the castle." — Loyal Sage (A Link to the Past)
  94. "Ahah... Link! I have been waiting for you! Heh heh heh... I was hoping I could make Zelda vanish in front of your eyes. Behold! The last moment of Princess Zelda! Ho ho ho... With this, the seal of the seven wise men is at last broken. It is now only a matter of time before evil power covers this land..." — Agahnim (A Link to the Past)
  95. "Link, can you hear me? It's me, Zelda. I am locked in Turtle Rock on top of Death Mountain. I know you are doing your best, but please hurry..." — Princess Zelda (A Link to the Past)
  96. "Link, we are going to break the barrier of Ganon's Tower with our power." — Princess Zelda (A Link to the Past)
  97. 97.0 97.1 "What a relief!" — Marin (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
  98. 98.0 98.1 "I thought you'd never wake up! You were tossing and turning... What? Zelda? No, my name's Marin! You must still be feeling a little woozy. You are on Koholint Island!" — Marin (Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch)
  99. "When Zelda, the hope of the people, vanishes from Horon Village, this land will be stricken with despair." — Maku Tree (Oracle of Seasons)
  100. "Zelda asked me to find a singer named Nayru. Will you help me look, Link? I'd feel safer with you nearby." — Impa (Oracle of Ages)
  101. "Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Seasons)
  102. "Your rampage through my kingdom must stop, Yuga! How many more of my people do you intend to take?" — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  103. "My little acquisition tour of Hyrule is nearly over, Princess. It really was quite a spree. A Sage here, a Sage there. And now your Impa too. I've already got all seven Sages." — Yuga (A Link Between Worlds)
  104. "Confess it, monster! You plan to use our Seven Sages to revive Ganon, don't you?" — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  105. "I find your protests inelegant. Not to mention irrelevant. I wish to possess your beauty, Princess Zelda of Hyrule, not all these ugly words of yours! Oh, you are going to make for a spectacular painting, my dear! [...] Haha! My lovely masterpiece! How utterly scrumptious! Dare I say, it's my best work ever!" — Yuga (A Link Between Worlds)
  106. "One day, an evil army attacked this peaceful little kingdom and stole the Triforce of Power. This army was led by Ganon, the powerful Prince of Darkness who sought to plunge the World into fear and darkness under his rule." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3)
  107. "At the same time, she commanded her most trustworthy nursemaid, Impa, to secretly escape into the land and go find a man with enough courage to destroy the evil Ganon." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3)
  108. "Upon hearing this, Ganon grew angry, imprisoned the princess, and sent out a party in search of Impa." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3)
  109. "THANKS LINK, YOU'RE THE HERO OF HYRULE." — Princess Zelda (The Legend of Zelda)
  110. "FINALLY, PEACE RETURNS TO HYRULE. THE END." — N/A (The Legend of Zelda)
  111. "Link, the time has come when I must tell you the legend of Zelda handed down in Hyrule." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 6)
  112. "It is said that a long ago, when Hyrule was one country, a great ruler maintained the peace in Hyrule using the Triforce. However, the king too was a child of man and he died." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 6)
  113. "Then, the prince of the kingdom should have become king and inherited everything, but he could inherit the Triforce only in part. The Prince searched everywhere for the missing parts, but could not find them. Then, a magician close to the king brought him some unexpected news. Before he died, the king had said something about the Triforce to only the younger sister of the prince, Princess Zelda." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 6, 7)
  114. "The prince immediately questioned the princess, but she wouldn't tell him anything. After the prince, the magician threatened to put the princess into an eternal sleep if she did not talk, but even still, she said nothing. In his anger, the magician tried to cast a magic spell on the princess. The surprised prince tried to stop him, but the magician fought off the prince and went on chanting the spell. Then, when the spell was finally cast, Princess Zelda fell on that spot and enter a sleep from which she might never awake. At the same time, the magician also fell down and breathe his last." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 7, 8)
  115. "There are three kinds of Triforce -- Power, Wisdom, and Courage. [...] Of the three, I have left Power and Wisdom in the kingdom. But the Triforce Courage I have hidden for a reason. [...] The Triforce of Courage is hidden in the Great Palace in the Valley of Death on the largest island in Hyrule." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 9, 10)
  116. "The magic spell cast upon Princess Zelda will sure to be broken if the Triforce is used. Please, Link. Unite the Triforce and save the princess. And bring back peace to Hyrule." (The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 12)
  117. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 104-107 & 109
  118. "Several months after rescuing Princess Zelda and saving the land of Hyrule, Link set foot into the mysterious world of Termina by chance while in the midst of a new journey." (Majora's Mask manual, pg. 5)
  119. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 110
  120. "I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again..." — Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  121. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 110
  122. "You are already leaving this land of Hyrule, aren't you? Even though it was only a short time, I feel like I've known you forever. I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again... Until that day comes, please... Take this..." — Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  123. "This reminds me of us..." — Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  124. "I am praying... I am praying that your journey be a safe one. If something should happen to you, remember this song..." — Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  125. "The Goddess of Time is protecting you. If you play the Song of Time, she will aid you..." — Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  126. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 117
  127. 127.0 127.1 "Orphaned at a young age, Tetra followed in her mother's footsteps, becoming a pirate and watching after her mother's gang of lovable swabbies." — Figurine (The Wind Waker)
  128. 128.0 128.1 "Wh-What?! What are you talking about? I don't know any Zelda..." — Tetra (The Wind Waker)
  129. "My Triforce of Power is resonating! Ha! At long last, I have found you...Princess Zelda! [...] Feigning ignorance will gain you nothing! Tell me... If you are not Zelda, then why do you have this fragment of the Triforce?" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  130. "There you go... Acting before you think, as usual... I swear! Do you even realize that we had to draw that monster bird off for you? It was about to come flying in here after you again!" — Tetra (The Wind Waker)
  131. "Everything that's happened to you and your poor sister... It's all been my fault. ...I'm so sorry." — Tetra (The Wind Waker)
  132. "Zelda... It is far too dangerous for you to join us in this task. Fortunately, this sacred chamber is not yet known to Ganon. It is my wish that you wait here in hiding until we return." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  133. "Did you think you'd be safe inside the castle? Foolish... Now that my power has been restored, there is no safe haven for you! I have taken your precious Zelda." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  134. "W-Wait! You could... You could come with us! Yes, of course... We have a ship! We can find it! We WILL find it! The land that will be the next Hyrule!" — Princess Zelda (The Wind Waker)
  135. "As for our destination... The wind will guide us!" — Tetra (The Wind Waker)
  136. "Princess Zelda, we're nearly at that spot in the sea!" — Mako (Phantom Hourglass)
  137. "I told you not to call me Zelda! Tetra worked just fine before, you know." — Tetra (Phantom Hourglass)
  138. "That Ghost Ship is REALLY, REALLY DANGEROUS! I was almost frozen forever on that thing! Link saved me. You wouldn't believe what he went through!" — Tetra (Phantom Hourglass)
  139. "What are you talking about? You were only on that ship... about ten minutes." — N/A (Phantom Hourglass)
  140. "To prevent him from possessing your body, you must fortify his prison. To do this, restore the energy between the temples and this tower. In other words... Restore the tracks between here and the temples." — Anjean (Spirit Tracks)
  141. "Tetra! Please give me your blessing!" — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  142. "[Link]! I'm going to concentrate on channeling my power. While I do that, please protect me from Malladus!" — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  143. "You distract Malladus, [Link]. When I see an opportunity, I'll shoot him in the back with the Bow of Light." — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  144. "I'll be right there. Hold on!" — Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  145. "Please watch over this land, my dear. And, [Link]... You must help her." — Anjean (Spirit Tracks)
  146. Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks - Details and Spoilers, Hyrule.net.
  147. "Father has told me time and time again... He always says, "Quit wasting your time playing at being a scholar!"" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  148. "I...I was assessing the results of the experiment with the Guardians. These pieces of ancient technology could be quite useful against the—" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  149. "Is that what I think it is?! Look at this! I don't believe it, but I actually caught one! This delicacy is known to have very, very potent effects under the proper circumstances. Ta-da! Research from the castle shows ingesting one of these can actually augment certain abilities. We wouldn't be in a controlled environment out here, and with your level of physical fitness...you'd be a perfect candidate for the study! Go on! Taste it!" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  150. "With the princess as their commander, we dubbed these pilots Champions" — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  151. Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 379
  152. "After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  153. "The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  154. "If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left..." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  155. "P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight..." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  156. "That boy is a living reminder of her own failures." — Urbosa (Breath of the Wild)
  157. "From here, we'll make our way to Goron City. Then, we'll need some adjustments on that Divine Beast so Daruk can manage it as easily as possible.." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  158. "Tell me the truth... How proficient are you right now, wielding that sword on your back? Legend says that an ancient voice resonates inside it. Can you hear it yet...hero?" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  159. "I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passed his lips. I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  160. "What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  161. "Nothing. Just as I thought. Hmm... It appears that this structure was designed to be exclusively accessed by the sword's chosen one. (...) How do I get inside...?" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  162. "I thought I made it clear that I am not in need of an escort. It seems I'm the only one with a mind of my own. I, the person in question, am fine, regardless of the king's orders." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  163. "Return to the castle. And tell that to my father, please." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  164. "And stop following me!" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  165. "I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever. He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan. Though I've been cold to him all this time...taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn... Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  166. "Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. (...) With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well..." — Zelda's Diary (Breath of the Wild)
  167. Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 388
  168. "Her appointed knight gives his life, Shields her figure, and pays the price. The princess's love for her fallen knight awakens her power / And within the castle the Calamity is forced to cower." — Kass's Song (Breath of the Wild)
  169. "The Royal Family's Secret Recipe #1
    The Princess's Favorite: Fruitcake
    Boil any two (or more) pieces of fruit with Tabantha wheat and cane sugar for a good while. Eating this dish will apparently clear your head and help you focus on things such as ancient technology research.
    " — The Royal Family's Secret Recipe 1 (Breath of the Wild)
  170. "Link, I met such wonderful people. I saw Hyrule as it was. I have so much to tell you. So much happened! Oh, Link... I'm home!" — Princess Zelda (Tears of the Kingdom)
  171. Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 123
  172. "でも私は貴方を… 貴方の勇気を信じています!" — Zelda (Breath of the Wild, Japanese version)
  173. "But courage need not be remembered... for it is never forgotten." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  174. "Dowsing uses the power of Link's sword to find hidden people and items. Sound and vibration help to indicate when the target is close, similar to radar. Searching for items, people, and secret areas adds a deep element of puzzle-solving and exploration to the open field, the kind that existed only in dungeons in previous Zelda™ games."Dowsing to Search Land, Zelda.com (archive), retrieved March 24, 2022.
  175. "Zelda was the name of the wife of the famous novelist Francis Scott Fitzgerald. She was a famous and beautiful woman from all accounts, and I liked the sound of her name. So I took the liberty of using her name for the very first Zelda title" — Todd Mowatt, In the Game: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, Amazon.
  176. Encyclopedia (Tokuma Shoten Publishing) pg. 217
  177. The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 5
  178. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Vol. 1 (Shogakukan 1) pg. 122
  179. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 21
  180. Encyclopedia, TOKYOPOP, pg. 286 (ST)
  181. "この者がゼルダ姫様に
    会わせろとうるさくて
    " — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  182. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 140
  183. "Link……
    間こえますか?
    私です、ゼルダです
    " — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  184. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 140
  185. "Link……
    間こえますか?
    私です、ゼルダです
    " — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  186. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 140
  187. "Link……
    間こえますか?
    私です、ゼルダです
    " — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  188. The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3
  189. Collector's Edition manual, pg. 8
  190. The Minish Cap manual, pg. 65
  191. "Link, m'entendez-vous? C'est moi, Zelda..." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  192. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity pour Nintendo Switch - Détails du jeu Nintendo, www.nintendo.com, retrieved September 8, 2020.
  193. "Cette personne veut voir la princesse Zelda. Il aurait un message pour elle." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  194. Hyrule Historia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 106 (TLoZ)
  195. Hyrule Historia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 10 (SS)
  196. "Link, m'entendez-vous ? C'est moi, Zelda..." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  197. "Zelda" — Gallery (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  198. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 238
  199. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258
  200. The Minish Cap manual, pg. 45
  201. "Ce garçon insiste pour voir la princesse Zelda. Il aurait un message pour elle." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  202. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 238
  203. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258
  204. The Minish Cap manual, pg. 45
  205. "Ce garçon insiste pour voir la princesse Zelda. Il aurait un message pour elle." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  206. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 238
  207. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258
  208. The Minish Cap manual, pg. 45
  209. "Ce garçon insiste pour voir la princesse Zelda. Il aurait un message pour elle." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  210. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 238
  211. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258
  212. The Minish Cap manual, pg. 45
  213. "Ce garçon insiste pour voir la princesse Zelda. Il aurait un message pour elle." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  214. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 238
  215. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 258
  216. The Minish Cap manual, pg. 45
  217. "Ce garçon insiste pour voir la princesse Zelda. Il aurait un message pour elle." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  218. Encyclopedia (TOKYOPOP) pg. 219
  219. Encyclopedia (TOKYOPOP) pg. 223
  220. Encyclopedia (TOKYOPOP) pg. 228
  221. Encyclopedia (TOKYOPOP) pg. 270
  222. "Dieser Junge macht hier Lärm, weil er mit Prinzessin Zelda sprechen will." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  223. "Link... Kannst du mich hören? Ich bin es, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  224. Hyrule Warriors: Zeit der Verheerung | Nintendo Switch | Spiele | Nintendo, www.nintendo.de, retrieved September 8, 2020.
  225. "Link... Kannst du mich hören? Ich bin es, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  226. Hyrule Warriors: Zeit der Verheerung | Nintendo Switch | Spiele | Nintendo, www.nintendo.de, retrieved September 8, 2020.
  227. "Zelda" — View Warriors (Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition)
  228. "Link... Kannst du mich hören? Ich bin es, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  229. Hyrule Warriors: Zeit der Verheerung | Nintendo Switch | Spiele | Nintendo, www.nintendo.de, retrieved September 8, 2020.
  230. "Link... Kannst du mich hören? Ich bin es, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  231. Hyrule Warriors: Zeit der Verheerung | Nintendo Switch | Spiele | Nintendo, www.nintendo.de, retrieved September 8, 2020.
  232. Encyclopedia (Magazzini Salani) pg. 219
  233. Collector's Edition manual, pg. 34
  234. Encyclopedia (Magazzini Salani) pg. 270
  235. "Questo giovane dice di avere un messaggio importante per la principessa Zelda." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  236. "Mi senti, Link...? Sono io, Zelda..." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  237. "Mi senti, Link...? Sono io, Zelda..." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  238. "Mi senti, Link...? Sono io, Zelda..." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  239. "Mi senti, Link...? Sono io, Zelda..." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  240. "젤다 공주님을
    뵙고 싶다고 난리를 피우는 바람에……
    " — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  241. "Link……
    들리나요?
    처예요, 젤다예요
    " — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  242. "Link……
    들리나요?
    처예요, 젤다예요
    " — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  243. The Legend of Zelda | NES | Игры | Nintendo, www.nintendo.ru, retrieved September 10, 2020.
  244. Encyclopedia (Norma Editorial) pg. 219
  245. Encyclopedia (Norma Editorial) pg. 270
  246. "Este insolente muchacho me está pidiendo que le deje ver a la princesa Zelda." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)
  247. "Link... ¿Me oyes? Soy yo, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  248. "Link... ¿Me oyes? Soy yo, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  249. "Link... ¿Me oyes? Soy yo, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  250. "Link... ¿Me oyes? Soy yo, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (A Link Between Worlds)
  251. "Este insolente muchacho me está pidiendo que le deje ver a la princesa Zelda." — Hyrule Soldier (A Link Between Worlds)