Top 10 Best The Legend of Zelda Characters
The Legend of Zelda series has been one of Nintendo's most iconic franchises for decades, bringing players into a world full of magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. At the heart of the series is Link, a courageous warrior chosen by fate to take on grand quests, wield the Master Sword, and face off against some of the most dangerous foes in gaming history. He's often joined by Princess Zelda, a wise and powerful figure who plays a key role in protecting the kingdom of Hyrule. And, of course, lurking in the shadows is Ganon, the relentless demon king who will stop at nothing to seize power.But The Legend of Zelda is about more than just its central trio. Over the years, the series has introduced a wide range of memorable characters, from mysterious allies to mischievous tricksters and terrifying villains. Some help guide Link on his journey, while others challenge him in unexpected ways.
So, who are the best characters in the Legend of Zelda universe? That's for you to decide. This list is shaped by votes from fans like you, so your opinion matters. Vote for your favorites and see where they rank among the best that The Legend of Zelda has to offer.
Link is the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda series, often depicted as a courageous warrior who wields the Master Sword. He is typically tasked with rescuing Princess Zelda and defeating Ganon or other antagonists. Link has to be my favorite character in the Zelda franchise, especially Twilight Princess Link. He's so brave and loyal, and he cares so much for the people around him. I loved how he went crazy when Colin was captured by King Bulblin, and he literally kicks everyone's butt in the game. He's also a bit shy and dorky, which makes him even more adorable.
Even though we don't hear him speaking out loud, I do believe that this character has depth. Definitely my all-time favorite video game character!
Link may not speak, but he is a great hero. He (like every hero) has his faults, but that does not define him. He is the best in Twilight Princess, but I wish he could have spoken in the game and interacted more with Midna. Link is kindhearted.
Midna is a mysterious imp-like creature who serves as Link's companion in Twilight Princess, guiding him through the game. She is the true ruler of the Twilight Realm and seeks to reclaim her throne from Zant. She is more valid as a love interest for Link than Zelda thanks to the spectacular character design and execution.
The friendship/relationship of Midna and Link is the most beautiful of the entire series, the pinnacle of Twilight Princess. The end of the game always breaks my heart.
Zelda can't compare. Midna is godlike. The imp always stayed with Link at all times, interacted with him, and logically, she was the true significant other for him (as a true friend and lover). Midna touches Link's face, she was in Link's arms, flirts with him, gives support, smiles at him, and laughs. She can make a sacrifice for you (not exaggerated).
True love is not just about wanting someone. It's about being with that person and doing anything to make happiness and better moments together in life. I found these things in Midna, and it's almost impossible to leave her out of my mind and heart after years of my first playthrough of Twilight Princess. Her main theme and variations are beautiful (Midna's Theme, Midna's Lament, Happy theme, or Boss defeated).
Zelda is the princess of Hyrule and often possesses wisdom and magical abilities that aid Link in his quests. She frequently plays a crucial role in the battle against evil forces, including Ganondorf. Zelda has always been my favorite. In Ocarina of Time, she's a complete badass. In Twilight Princess, she sacrifices her kingdom and eventually her physical form to save Midna's life. In Hyrule Warriors, she's easily one of the best characters and gives Link a run for his money. Not to mention she possesses the Triforce of Wisdom. How cool is that?
I have always loved Zelda. Her relationship with Link is the cutest ever! She's really kind, and she can actually do stuff, unlike Peach. She is wise and brave as well. There is a reason why it's the Legend of Zelda and not the Legend of Link.
Ganondorf is the primary antagonist of the series, often depicted as the Gerudo King who seeks to claim the Triforce for himself. He is the human form of Ganon, a powerful dark sorcerer who threatens Hyrule. He's invincible. He can only be banished... and is the only villain in anything who has actually successfully done what he set out to do: take over Hyrule. I can't think of any other villain succeeding in their plan. Usually, they are foiled well beforehand or moments beforehand.
Yes, Link stopped him, but I'd say he murdered hundreds by himself as he's immune to attack bar the Master Sword, light, and silver arrows. In fact, Ganondorf is the ultimate villain. PURE EVIL.
Able to have so much diversity game to game but still stick with that essence that truly makes him Ganondorf.
Skull Kid is a mischievous character who appears in multiple Zelda games, most notably as the primary antagonist in Majora's Mask. He becomes corrupted after donning the cursed mask, leading to the impending destruction of Termina. He seems like a complete ass at first, but once you know his story, you start to feel bad for him. He had no friends because of his annoying nature and lived sad and alone until the fairies found him. He's one of those characters you feel bad for but also hate at times.
Skull Kid is my favorite. When I first saw him, I was like, you complete jerk, but after squinting really hard at the screen, I saw his sad backstory. I was super happy that he had a happy ending, unlike Disney villains. Yeah, Walt Disney!
Ghirahim is a flamboyant and sinister swordsman who serves as the primary antagonist in Skyward Sword. He seeks to resurrect his master, Demise, by capturing Zelda and using her power. All three of the boss fights were just packed with action, and the creativity was just out of this world. An interesting twist from the usual Ganondorf or Ganon. He is a creepy and mysterious character, and I loved fighting him!
He's easily the most interesting and kind of creepy villain. Ganondorf comes close as my favorite, but Ghirahim will always live in my heart as my favorite Zelda villain. Up your game, Nintendo, if you want to outdo this masterpiece of a villain.
I challenge Nintendo to make a better villain. Ghirahim is too good. They obviously spent a lot of time on his character, the writing, and the game in general.
Toon Link is a stylized version of Link appearing in games such as The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass. He retains the same heroic traits as other versions of Link but is depicted with a more exaggerated, cartoon-like design. Obviously the best set of Links. He actually has personality. Plus, none of the Links were adults until Ocarina of Time, and now everybody expects every Link to be an adult. If he's not, he's a crappy Link. If you ask me, this IS the classic Link.
Toon Link should be at number 1, 2, or 3 because he has a much better personality. He possessed the ORIGINAL great spin attack and back slice (called hurricane spin and parry strike respectively). Plus, he is the only Link to actually KILL Ganondorf. (Toon Link is much better at his job).
Impa is a recurring character in the series, typically serving as Zelda's guardian and a member of the Sheikah tribe. She provides guidance to Link and often plays a key role in protecting Hyrule's royal family. Total badass! Either as the commanding officer of the Hyrule imperial guard or as the awakened Sage of Shadow, Impa stands as one of the most capable fighters out there. Love her looks, especially in Hyrule Warriors.
I really like Impa, and I love the fact she is the fourth most seen Zelda character. I think she had the fourth most appearances next to Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf.
Medli is a young Rito girl from The Wind Waker who serves as an attendant to Valoo, the dragon deity. She is later revealed to be the Sage of Earth and assists Link in his quest to restore the Master Sword's power. Medli is one beautiful girl. One can imagine her dancing in the sky, her broad, white wings riding the wind. Call me sappy or whatever, but Medli is gorgeous. Of course, I can't overlook her character. She is very sweet and thoughtful, even after the revelation that she is a sage. She will always be my favorite character in Wind Waker.
Few Legend of Zelda characters get to be as charming as Medli. She is not only pretty relevant in the story, but she offers one of the most complex and sweet attitudes in the game.
Saria is one of Link's childhood friends in Ocarina of Time and serves as the Sage of Forest. She plays the ocarina and provides Link with crucial guidance throughout his journey. Saria has an amazing friendship with Link, and that only makes her my favorite Zelda character.
She has a tragic yet beautiful story and was a loyal friend to Link right until the very end.
Saria is by far my favorite character. Link would be just second in my book, to be honest.
The Newcomers
Purah is a Sheikah researcher in Breath of the Wild who specializes in ancient technology and is responsible for the Sheikah Slate's restoration. Due to an experiment gone wrong, she has the appearance of a child despite being much older. She's crazy and funny in Age of Calamity. I don't know too much about her in ToTK, but she's nice.
Age of Calamity Robbie is hilarious. I love the little guitar riffs during his cutscenes.
Groose is a rival-turned-ally of Link in Skyward Sword, initially acting as a bully before aiding Link in his quest. He later helps protect The Imprisoned's seal and finds a purpose beyond his rivalry. Groose as a character is hilarious, and he also goes through some of the best character development in the history of this franchise. He is a lovable douche who becomes a great buddy.
The character development is off the charts. Even without the depth to him, he would still be on my list because of how cool he is.
"You lay off my do right now, or I'll flatten you. Everyone knows I've got the slickest pompadour in town."
Tetra is a bold and resourceful pirate captain in The Wind Waker who later discovers she is a descendant of Princess Zelda. She aids Link throughout his journey before embracing her royal heritage. She is by far the best version of Zelda, and I feel her and this version of Link would be so great as a couple.
She's the only Zelda with an actual personality.
She's the only Zelda who doesn't know she's Zelda.
Navi is a small fairy who serves as Link's companion in Ocarina of Time, providing hints and navigation assistance. She is known for her frequent calls for Link's attention, including her iconic "Hey! Listen!" phrase. I really, really love Navi. I think that Link and Navi are a cute, funny, and remarkable couple.
Not every Zelda fan always says that Navi is such an annoying Zelda character. But hey, I like Navi.
Happy Mask Salesman is a mysterious merchant who appears in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, offering masks with unique properties. He possesses knowledge about Majora's Mask and plays a key role in Link's quest to stop its curse. Well, while Skull Kid is my actual favorite Zelda character, I voted for my second favorite, the Happy Mask Salesman, because he is only #15, whereas Skull Kid is #5! I wasn't as surprised that Skull Kid was so high on this list because I already knew that he was a fan favorite. But I was surprised about the Happy Mask Salesman being so high - I didn't know that so many people liked him!
He really is an intriguing character, though, as is Skull Kid! I wish that they wouldn't have chosen a picture of the Happy Mask Salesman's angry face - he looks kind of creepy with it, and I'm worried that not as many people will vote for him if they see this face. They should have gone with a picture of his happy face - the one with the funny, almost maniacal smile! But definitely, a great character in the series!
Sidon is the Zora prince in Breath of the Wild, known for his energetic personality and unwavering optimism. He aids Link in defeating the Divine Beast Vah Ruta and later becomes the Zora king. God, I love this guy. Even though everyone else loves him, I can't help but love him too. He's just so charming. He's basically the Groose of Breath of the Wild. He's a character that just had such a hilarious appeal. He's very positive, and his design in general is just cool as hell.
HE IS SO AWESOME! I have a friend that is literally in love with Prince Sidon. Should be higher on the list. In the made-up Zelda game I'm making, I thought Sidon was so awesome I had to make him a little badass by giving him two pistols that convert into a submachine water-shooting gun. Hands down the best Zelda character.
Mipha is a Zora princess in Breath of the Wild who once wielded the power to heal others using her abilities. She piloted the Divine Beast Vah Ruta before being slain by Waterblight Ganon. Mipha is Link's childhood friend, and it's honestly a shame she perished in the Great Calamity. She had such an adorable personality and face! Thank you, Nintendo.
Ah yes... the Zora with the most beautiful and tragic backstory. I would love a prequel to Breath of the Wild, just to see more of her. She also had a heartbreaking backstory everybody cried over.
She's the sweet healer of the group. She had the easiest time piloting her Divine Beast, and her Age of Calamity moveset is like, the best in the game.
Fi is the spirit of the Goddess Sword in Skyward Sword who serves as Link's guide throughout his journey. She speaks in a robotic and analytical manner, providing statistical probabilities for various events. Fi is the best compared to Navi or Midna. She is actually helpful and beautiful. SPOILER ALERT: She is the voice that Zelda hears from inside the Master Sword and has a quite tragic ending in Skyward Sword when she and Link part. She is also a playable character in Hyrule Warriors. Come on, people! Fi should be in the top 5 because, again, she's actually helpful. Come on, people! She's the voice of the Master Sword! I also think she's Ghirahim's good double.
Fi is the best character in Zelda history. She is surprisingly helpful, unlike Navi and Midna.
Malon is a ranch girl from Ocarina of Time who lives at Lon Lon Ranch and cares for the horses there. She teaches Link Epona's Song, allowing him to befriend and ride the horse Epona. Malon is such a sweet and lovable character in Ocarina of Time. I believe that Link ends up marrying her. If you look at how Link from Twilight Princess is a farmer, it makes it highly likely that he is a descendant of Ocarina of Time Link and Malon. And the girl who wins over the amazing Link is definitely a great person.
There's a fairly plausible theory that Link from Ocarina of Time and Malon eventually marry and that their descendant is Link from Twilight Princess. Make of that what you will.
Outside Saria, she is one of the most down-to-earth ladies that Link meets. Plus, Ocarina of Time was my first Zelda game, so maybe I'm biased, but I've always had a soft spot for her.
Lana is a character from Hyrule Warriors, depicted as a sorceress with the power to manipulate magic. She is a guardian of the Triforce and has a rivalry with Cia, another powerful sorceress. In Hyrule Warriors, Lana was a big part of the story in a way that she was the good half of the villain Cia. The scene where the two are together one last time is actually quite touching. Also, Lana is a blast to play as!
Morshu is a merchant from the Zelda CD-i game Link: The Faces of Evil, known for his distinct mannerisms and dialogue. He sells bombs, lamp oil, and rope, requiring rupees as payment. Morshu is an essential character whose power far exceeds Link's, Ganondorf's, and Zelda's! He is the strongest character within the franchise. Those who oppose him need to come back when they're a little, hmmm, wiser!
Epona is Link's trusted horse who first appeared in Ocarina of Time and has since become a recurring companion. She is typically summoned by playing Epona's Song on an ocarina or similar instrument. Link's dang horse! Epona gets called by a very special song. Epona appeared in three games: Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker, and finally, Twilight Princess.
The best horse in the game. Why wouldn't you love her?
Sheik is a masked warrior in Ocarina of Time who aids Link by providing guidance and teaching him songs. She is later revealed to be Princess Zelda in disguise. Should be a lot higher up on the list. Sheik is a great and very memorable character. I cannot believe he's not in the top 20, let alone the top 10! He's separate from the person who is behind his disguise and is his own persona, a Sheikah boy. Sheik is a very wise person and a talented fighter. Sheik is the best.
I don't get how Sheik is below Tingle. He's obviously a more likable character, what with the mysterious charm and playing the lute and stuff.
God, he's hot. He's really hot. He's SO hot.
Not much else to say other than that, but at least he's useful and has a good personality to go along with it.
Tingle is an eccentric character who first appeared in Majora's Mask, often obsessed with maps and the idea of becoming a fairy. He has appeared in multiple games, sometimes selling maps or providing other services. Simply wonderful. Fantastic development and impossible to ignore. Tingle has spawned many spin-off games and is truly great.
Tingle is a bit creepy, and I always hate it when he tries to steal my rupees in Four Swords.
Urbosa was the Gerudo champion in Breath of the Wild who piloted the Divine Beast Vah Naboris. She was a close friend of Zelda's mother and was known for her strength and protective nature. She's cool. I at first thought Thunderblight would be easy, so I fought it after Waterblight. I turned out to be horribly wrong. I do like Urbosa as a character, though. Apparently, Zelda isn't allowed to have a motherly figure. First, they took her actual mom, then Urbosa, then Sonia.
Wow. Just look at that one flashback. I never thought I'd see Zelda characters I cried about when they died, but here I am.
I personally think that Urbosa is an awesome character and also kind of funny at times. Hands down the best champion after Mipha.
Marin is a girl from Link's Awakening who lives on Koholint Island and has a love for singing. She dreams of seeing the world beyond the island and plays a role in Link's quest. Marin is one of the first characters with any kind of depth to actually have a meaningful relationship with Link. A lot of other characters, both male and female, are simply there to progress the story. But Marin actually shares aspects of the adventure with Link, and the two of them have a lot of interesting interactions that don't necessarily have to relate to the story progression. Personally, I really liked taking her to the Trendy Game.
From Link's Awakening, this was the first character that I felt had any depth, and I really cared about her. Despite only appearing on the Gameboy, she was self-sacrificial, interesting, and likable. And her song is awesome!